Premier Dr Ewart Brown believes casinos could be a money-spinner for Bermuda but says he is not personally committed to a waterfront location.
The Premier hopes a Green Paper on Gambling, which recommended a casino in the city, will "light a fire" under the debate.
He is pushing for a new, coordinated law on all forms of gambling. And he wants MPs to consider sanctioning casinos in a bid to boost tourism.
Last week, former Premier and property developer Sir John Swan told the Bermuda Sun that a casino on Front Street was desperately needed as an economic engine for the development of the waterfront.
He said there was nothing but car parking and public toilets on Hamilton harbour and insisted tourists needed more of an incentive to come to the city at night.
Dr Brown said it was crucial that Bermuda provided more nightlife for its tourists.
"I am not sold one way or the other as to a location," he said. "We have to come up with the location that produces the most revenue."
"I'd like to see more life in Bermuda, period. The most common complaint we have is that there is nothing to do after dinner. We have to provide something to do after dinner for our visitors."
The basis of the Green Paper was a report from gaming specialists Innovation Consultants.
The firm, whose president Steve Rittvo was nominated as one of the 10 most influential people in gaming by an industry magazine, provides services to the gaming, leisure and hospitality industry.
Critics have claimed the company was always likely to support gaming for Bermuda.
But Dr Brown says the report provides useful information to stimulate the debate.
"Their mission was to determine if gaming could have a positive impact on Bermuda. I don't know what they 'always say' - all kinds of criticism can be levied at overseas consultants, but we have a report, I think it's a good report, it provides a good deal of information."
He said he hoped MPs could make a definitive decision on the issue in the summer.
"I don't think there has ever been an effort similar to this, where the entire issue of gaming has beeen approached and there is an attempt to have an omnibus gaming bill and tidy it up, make it clear and have it workable and fair.
"I believe in the long-run there will be economic benefits. I don't think it is correct to position gambling as a panacea for tourism or anything else...
"We should consider what they are doing in other jurisdictions. Do we want to be that different to the rest of the world that we are not going to offer another amenity to our visitors?"
Posted: Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Comment by:
Bruce McClarron / Arizona
My personal position on a Casino, as a "strictly controlled" business entity operating in BDA, should be well known at this point! I am of the opinion...'Build it and they will come'...But, you had better provide EXCELLENT 'Customer Service' at the same time, as First Impressions always count!
This philosophy has worked very well in the Bahamas, Curacao/Aruba, Antigua, Barbados etc. Just Google their respective visitor figures....Also, visit - www.worldcasinodirectory.com!
Bermuda...It's time to move into the 21st Century!!
PS: Barbados is a lot further away from the Eastern Seaboard (USA) than BDA, in flying time!! Think about it!
