By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE criticism that the new Gaming Bill upholds the status quo that prohibits Bahamians from gambling in casinos, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe explained yesterday that the Bill has a provision that allows the minister responsible to change this, subject to Cabinet approval.

Mr Wilchcombe further expressed optimism that the country could see a national lottery before Bahamians are allowed to play in casinos because the government viewed it as a way to raise money for much-needed infrastructure developments among other things in the country.

The new Bill leaves the door open for the creation of a national lottery.

Following a tour of a boutique hotel at Rose Island yesterday, Mr Wilchcombe spoke at length defending the Gaming Bill and the provisions which would allow Cabinet to make the final call on allowing Bahamians to bet in casinos.

However, he said further relaxing of the gaming laws will not be considered until the government completes research that compares the sustainability of the web shop industry running simultaneously with a casino industry participated in by locals. Mr Wilchcombe said the government has committed itself to that research “every day”.

Section 69 (4) of the Gaming Bill stipulates that a “domestic player”, a Bahamian or permanent resident, cannot gamble outside an area with a “gaming house operator licence,” or web shop.

However subsection six of this article says: “The minister may make regulations permitting participating in the types of gaming contemplated in those subsections, which may regulate the circumstances under which and the conditions subject to which such participation shall be permitted.”

The Gaming Bill has been criticised by observers who do not support expanding the industry for foreigners or web shop bosses while barring Bahamians from playing in hotel casinos.

On Wednesday, former Gaming Board Chairman Dr Andre Rollins said he will vote against the Bill, if it remains in its current form, because of this discrimination in the legislation.

Mr Wilchcombe explained that the government did not want to open the door to casino gaming for Bahamians without understanding how it could hurt or harm the society and economy.

“Further research (and) sustainability of the web shop business (is needed),” Mr Wilchcombe said. “When we allowed for casino gambling, the thought was to allow for an amenity for tourists, (that allows the government) to get the foreign direct capital from the tourist.

“We have to get to the point where we are sure that is what we are going to do (and) that we could sustain it. The average Bahamian is only saving about $800 right now.

“That is a very serious thing and we have got to think about what we are doing before we go there. Then the next thing you know we are in trouble. You’ll destroy your entire economy. So those who argue that we should do it now – well they haven’t done the research. That’s all impressionistic views. That’s all their personal views or a populace view that they want to follow. That’s not the right view. You have to move with information.”

A national lottery, Mr Wilchcombe explained, would create much needed financial support for the economy in addition to the revenue expected from the taxes and the regulation of web shops.

“That (national lottery) could happen sooner than the other (Bahamians gambling in casinos) ... they want to participate in the lottery. Maybe that is a good thing, but for what? Well, in Florida they use it for education. Well, we could perhaps introduce a lottery and use it for education, or use it for healthcare, or use it for sporting or use it for culture.

“The truth is we have many areas that require a tremendous amount of financial support. We are going to be able to cause greater growth in our sporting division if we can get more money into it. This country isn’t  the same as the Bahamas of 10 (or) 15 years ago,” he said.

The government held a referendum in January 2013 which asked voters if they supported the creation of a national lottery and the regulation and taxing of web shops. The majority of people who voted said no to both questions.