The Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission has been welcomed into the National Council on Problem Gambling in the United States.

Richard Schuetz, the executive director of the commission, said the group looked forward to working with the NCPG on its commitment to have a problem gaming programme established “before the first bet takes place in one of our integrated resort casinos”.

The NCPG, which is neutral on legalised gambling, is a non-governmental organisation that advocates for problem gamblers, and works with stakeholders to develop policies for those affected by it.

Keith Whyte, the council’s executive director, said he looked forward to working with the commission on its programmes.

“It is important to make sure steps are taken to address existing gambling problems and mitigate any future ones,” Mr Whyte said.