The government of Bermuda has scrapped plans for a referendum next year on whether to legalize casinos.
A bill authorizing the vote on legalization, which is strongly supported by the government as a means to boost the island’s tourist economy, was expected to be approved by Parliament. But reports that the opposition party would boycott it led Premier Craig Cannonier late last week to announce that the issue will be addressed instead through an upcoming bill to be followed by a public information campaign to sway public support.
The opposition has denied the reports and says it supports a referendum.
Tourism Minister Shawn Crockwell has said legalization will result in a “regulated and dynamic gaming industry” for Bermuda, a popular destination in the Atlantic Ocean near the Southeastern United States, and he has pointed to successful markets in Aruba, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico as models for the economic benefits the island will enjoy.
“Our research shows that if done correctly the introduction of casino-style gaming in Bermuda can generate much-needed revenue for the government and provide jobs and even careers for our people,” he said.
The proposed wording of the ballot question sparked controversy, however. Some lawmakers accused it of being tilted to ensure a yes vote. David Burt, shadow minister for Finance, called it “unquestionably loaded”.
