The Bahamas government says it is “unable to ignore” the nuances that came to light when the island held a referendum on gaming in 2013 as it announced measures to modify its position on regulating the gaming industry.
Prime Minister Perry Christie said as a result, his administration has decided to proceed with the regularisation of the industry despite the results of the referendum.
“My position and that of my government on the regularisation of web shop gaming has evolved as a result of certain realities which have emerged,” he told legislators.
“While I originally took the position to abide by the outcome of the referendum on this issue, there are certain realities which have come to light following the referendum which I cannot as Prime Minister ignore,”said Christie.
Christie said that he held discussions with various stakeholders including bankers, advisors, Cabinet colleagues and others to ensure that the government was on the right track with its decision.
“As a result of these consultations and in order to preserve and protect the national interest. I took the decision that despite the outcome of the referendum, the right thing to do in the circumstances is to regulate web shop gaming.”
Christie said the government would proceed with the debate of a comprehensive Gaming Bill designed to update casino gaming legislation in order to bring it in line with competing jurisdictions.
