By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE "conversation" has started within government on the creation of a National Lottery, according to the deputy prime minister.

"I want to make millionaires, and we do that by taking risk and being creative. A National Lottery gives the opportunity to make millionaires overnight. Right now that power is in the hands of seven people, and they are making millions every other day," said KP Turnquest, pictured, during a Friday presentation to the Raotary Club of East Nassau.

"There is such emotive sentiment that goes with this idea of lottery and gaming that governments have been reluctant to a take firm position," he added. "I can say the conversation has started where we are looking at options to use the existing framework for the government to create its own game, utilising existing infrastructure and existing franchisors in the market. There is thinking that is going behind that subject, but it's too early to say what that would look like."

Obie Wilchcombe, former tourism minister, said in a recent interview that a National Lottery could generate $150-200m per annum.

Mr Wilchcombe, who had responsibility for gaming under the former Christie administration, argued that a National Lottery would not only be an attractive sell to Bahamians but could also capture at least a million of the five to six million annual tourists who visit The Bahamas.

He added that the revenue generated could be used to fund educational, healthcare, sports and cultural programmes.