Gambling seen as way to boost winter tourism

THURSDAY, MAY 24: Casinos in Bermuda could make the island more attractive to major hotel investors and boost winter visitor numbers, according to Tourism Board chairman Maxwell Burgess.

Mr Burgess has asked the board’s gaming sub-committee chief John Jefferis to carry out research into the possible advantages of legalized gaming in Bermuda.

In a statement released today, Mr Burgess said: “The Tourism Board continues to support the matter of legalized gaming in Bermuda.

“The specific views of the individual members of the Tourism Board are currently being sought prior to a more comprehensive statement.

“I have asked the deputy chairman of the Tourism Board, John Jefferis, who heads up the gaming sub-committee to further enumerate, through additional research, the positive advantages that could accrue to tourism, including, as expeditiously as possible, obtaining the opinion of a variety of qualified hotel developers with reference to the possible increase in their interest in investing in hotel developments in Bermuda as a result of the introduction of gaming to the island.

“There is no doubt that a major advantage of gaming is that it is a non-weather related activity and could have a positive effect on winter business.”

Mr Burgess was speaking after Premier Paula Cox last week tabled a bill on referendum procedures in the House of Assembly.

And she confirmed that — as signalled in this year’s Throne Speech — that a referendum on gambling would be held in due course.