On Friday Bermuda’s Premier Ewart Brown presented the Green Paper on Gaming for Bermuda, to the House of Assembly. Dr Brown expressed the hope that the public would read the report, which contains detailed research and written submissions from overseas consultants and a local panel, and consider the pros and cons of allowing casino gambling. The proposed legislation will still face stiff opposition from many in Bermuda.
In June 2009 the Innovation Group, contracted by the Government and Bermuda Hotel Association, submitted its feasibility study to the Task Force on Gaming. On 20th July 2009 the Task Force on Gaming submitted their recommendations to the Premier. Cabinet further considered both reports and their recommendations and resolved to proceed with a Green Paper to be introduced into the Legislature in the 2009/10 Session.
In his foreword to the Green Paper Dr Brown says, “Like any proud people, Bermudians have strong opinions on most subjects. As our faces differ so do our views on gaming generally and gaming for Bermuda in particular. Recognising the divergence of views on the subject and the absence of comprehensive, localized study on it, the Government tasked overseas consultants and a local panel with the considerable duty to analyze Bermuda’s potential for gaming.”
The proposed legislation would ‘amalgamate the regulation of all gaming in Bermuda into one Act of the Legislature’. The Green Paper states that the synergies between the introduction of gaming and the renewal of Bermuda’s tourism are inevitable and similarly, the safety net required to ensure that those affected by the indiscipline in gaming must be addressed.
Dr Browm concludes, “Bermuda is at a pivotal stage in its 400 year old story. How we approach the task before us on this issue of gaming will determine our economic future and our positioning in the increasingly competitive tourism marketplace. I look forward to hearing the views of the Bermudian people on
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
this Green Paper and the specific questions that emerge from this comprehensive research.
The research submitted by the Innovation Group shows that a lottery is unlikely to meaningfully enhance tourism in the country and online gaming is unlikely to stimulate tourism. Taking the research into account, the Task Force on Gaming recommended to the Cabinet that some form of casino gaming be allowed at a suitable site in the City of Hamilton. It also recommended that the casino should be privately owned and operated and that there should be no restrictions on Bermudian participation. Casino opening hours would mirror existing nightclub liquor licensing laws, and a 10% gross revenue tax would be levied on a casino. It was further recommended that an advanced social service safety net be adapted to address the negative effects of the introduction of gaming.
The two reports (from the Innovation Group and the Task Force) in the Green Paper cover 79 pages, comprehensively detailing the ‘dispassionate research’ undertaken. Accompanying the Green Paper is a CD on which members of the public will find the two reports. Additionally, they are available on the Government portal at www.gov.bm The Government invites the submission of views regarding the Green Paper by 30 April 2010. The document finishes: “With or without additional forms of gaming, an omnibus piece of legislation regulating gaming will be tabled in the Third Term of this 2009/10 legislative session. Such a Bill will be tabled in time to permit debate on it in July 2010.” (E-03.08.10)
|
|
