FRIDAY, OCT. 24: Bermuda could get its own lottery, along with hotel casinos, after Government confirmed today they are taking a serious look at the island's gambling laws.
Making a formal announcement this morning, Premier Ewart Brown appeared to acknowledge that he may be putting himself on collision course with the church lobby. However, he also said that many Bermudians would welcome being able to gamble on the island, rather than having to make gaming trips to the States.
The Premier said that Government and the Bermuda Hotel Association have jointly hired consultants to conduct a feasibility study. The study will examine how much revenue gambling could raise for the country through tax, while also looking at the social and economic effect that new gambling laws are likely to have on ordinary Bermudians.
He said: "Gaming is not unknown to Bermuda or Bermudians. Certain gaming pursuits have become culturally permissible. These include Crown and Anchor, high-stakes card games, bingo and the various pools. Additionally, it is fair to say that considerable numbers of Bermudians travel to well known gambling cities for the sole purpose of that activity."
He continued: "I am well aware of the strong feelings about gaming that are prevalent in the community. The aim of this feasibility study is to openly and fully address all aspects of this issue so that we make decisions based on facts."
The Premier added that study will also assess the feasibility of a Bermuda lottery and will also include "an overview of internet wagering to determine Bermuda's suitability as a centre of internet gaming."
No further details were provided on either of those potential schemes.
Reader Comments
Posted: Sunday, November 02, 2008
Comment by:
Bermy Jon
Churches have condemned the opening of Casino's, saying gambling offers a false hope to the impoverished......who should instead be putting their faith in a shiny bearded man who lives on a cloud.
Posted: Sunday, October 26, 2008
Comment by:
It's time for Bermuda to grow up
The government needs to stop trying to save the public from themselves. If people want to go and lose all their money gambling, that is their personal choice and their problem to live with. Casinos are huge in the tourism industry these days, imagine the amount of tourists the island would attract if the world series of poker were to come to town. The only problem I foresee is select few undesirable locals that would be entering hotel casinos, this might be somewhat disconcerting for the type of people that stay in the island's high end hotels.
Posted: Saturday, October 25, 2008
Comment by:
Sara
If you make make gambling off limits to anyone but the guests of the hotel, then the same will have to be done with the restaurants and shops in the hotels. Who would support the hotel during off-season? Also, if you just have to be a guest at the hotel, well then what happens when Bermudians book at the hotel? You can not turn them away because they are Bermudian. This will not work as it will be discrimination against ALL Bermudians.
Posted: Friday, October 24, 2008
Comment by:
scott
You're right "house wins", but there are other thoughts on it. What if it was strictly for hotel use? guests only allowed? im sure some local would claim discrimination, but its somethign to think about. Also, you're right this most def would not be at tourists first pick for gambling. On the other hand, a lack of casinos may be turning a lot of guests away.
Posted: Friday, October 24, 2008
Comment by:
House Wins
Does it make sense for govt to sponsor a system which takes money ie bets from the very citizens they have setup social programs for? There is nothing positive in gambling. I am sure if tourist want to gamble Bermuda is not and will not be their first choice. I dont go to Florida to gamble.
Remember the house always wins therefore the rest of us lose.
