Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has expressed profound concerns regarding the escalating gambling epidemic in Grenada, advocating for a comprehensive societal approach that prioritizes citizen welfare over revenue generation. During his inaugural 2026 interview on Grenada Broadcasting Network’s ‘Beyond the Headlines’ program, the Prime Minister highlighted the destructive nature of gambling addiction, particularly among financially vulnerable populations.
Mitchell emphasized that while respecting individual liberties, society must reach consensus on values and recognize gambling’s detrimental impacts. He specifically referenced games classified by the World Health Organisation as highly addictive, noting alarming patterns where citizens gamble 12-14 hours daily while neglecting familial responsibilities.
The gambling landscape in Grenada is dominated by the state-established Grenada National Lotteries Authority (GNLA), the primary provider of lottery products including Bingo, Lotto, Super 6, Daily Pick 3, and instant Scratch games. Private companies also operate promotional chance games.
Mitchell proposed a ‘whole of society’ framework that balances revenue generation with protective measures for at-risk individuals, stating: ‘If people believe gambling is their only escape from financial hardship, we guarantee they’ll never overcome it.’ The Prime Minister’s comments signal a potential policy shift toward addressing gambling’s social consequences rather than merely exploiting its economic benefits.