Govt: No Restrictions On Residents In Casinos
[Updated with videos] Speaking at a press conference today [Jan 9], Minister of Tourism Shawn Crockwell said that Government has decided to embrace the “integrated casino resort model” for Bermuda, meaning that the casinos will be located at hotel properties.
During the Q&A portion, the Minister said that the Government “does not intend on restricting residents from participating in casino gaming.”
Minister Crockwell said, “The government has decided to embrace the Integrated Casino Resort model for Bermuda. Although we will be unique and maintain our special Bermuda brand this model is similar to the Aruban and Singaporean casino models.”
He said the Ministry will “roll out an aggressive calendar of events with the intention of providing awareness and education on casino gaming in Bermuda,” with six town hall meetings scheduled beginning on February 6th.
The Minister said they are “confident that the majority of Bermudians support the introduction of casino style gaming,” with recent polling results suggesting that approximately 70% of Bermudians favor the legalization.
“Casino gaming will bring hotel investors to the island which will lead to Bermudian jobs,” said Minister Crockwell. ”We have a wonderful opportunity to set the example by working together to implement the best holistic casino gaming model this world has seen. Let us usher in a tourism renaissance together.”
The decision on gambling was initially supposed to be decided via a referendum, however last month Premier Craig Cannonier announced that they will bypass the referendum and the matter will be decided by a vote in Parliament.
Earlier today an online petition was formally launched calling for the Government to hold a referendum, spearheaded by a group including former Independent political candidate Jonathan Starling, former UBP Leader Kim Swan, BEST Chairman Stuart Hayward and Michael Ashton.
When asked about the petition campaign today, Minister Crockwell said he would “invite all of those that signed the petition to get involved in the public education campaign.”
“Clearly they want to have their voices heard, and we believe that is going to be a transparent process,” said Minister Crockwell.
“The Government has made its decision, and I don’t foresee the Government wavering on that decision, but of course democracy is always healthy, and we look forward to receiving that petition.”
The Minister’s full statement follows below:
Good Afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Government of Bermuda has decided to proceed with the establishment of legalized casino gaming through the parliamentary process. This was a difficult decision for the government but in the circumstances we are confident it was the right decision for Bermuda.
We are also confident that the majority of Bermudians support the introduction of casino style gaming. This is supported by recent polling results which suggest that approximately 70 percent of Bermudians favor the legalization of gaming in Bermuda to assist in bringing jobs, increase tourism and generate revenue on the Island.
These poll results will be made available during our upcoming public education program that I will highlight momentarily.
For the past several months the government has worked diligently in gathering research to get the facts about gaming and to ascertain the best model for Bermuda.
We engaged industry leaders as well as consulted with past and current leaders of jurisdictions that have already implemented casino gaming and believe we are on the right track in creating an industry that will be beneficial to the island whilst limiting adverse effects.
One of the benefits of getting into this industry late is that we can learn from the mistakes of other jurisdictions.
Following an extensive review and analysis, the government has decided to embrace the Integrated Casino Resort model for Bermuda. Although we will be unique and maintain our special Bermuda brand this model is similar to the Aruban and Singaporean casino models.
It is paramount that the government now engages the public with the salient information concerning what we are proposing and all of the main issues surrounding this industry.
There is a great deal of misinformation out there about the casino gaming industry and what we as the government plan to implement here in Bermuda. We want to disseminate the facts and hear everyone’s view on this issue.
During the public education period, we will share the data we have collected which will include the potential economic benefits, potential social risks and how to mitigate against those risks and the potential for job creation for Bermudians.
We appreciate the importance of including the public in the process and the education program will give anyone that is interested an opportunity to be heard on this vital initiative for Bermuda.
It is important that the government is able to communicate as well as educate Bermudians on the Vision, Goals, Objectives and Measurable outcomes associated with casino gaming.
Furthermore, it is important for Bermudians to understand that they do have a voice in this process. I am here today to announce that the Ministry of Tourism Development and Transport will roll out an aggressive calendar of events with the intention of providing awareness and education on Casino Gaming in Bermuda.
We will commence our public education program on January 27th and will host 6 town hall meetings starting on February 6th.
Three of the six meetings will provide a general overview of Casino Gaming and an overview of the Integrated Casino Resort model and why we feel this model best suits Bermuda.
Two of the meetings will be topic specific and will outline the plan the Government will take to mitigate against social risks as well as the job creation opportunities Casino Gaming will bring to Bermuda.
Working with non-profit organizations, particularly those that deal with social ills as well as our faith community, will be imperative to our success with this industry.
Finally, we will host an open mic event for young professionals that will address the questions and concerns of this demographic in relation to the casino gaming industry. Unemployment amongst this demographic is reported to be as high as 25 percent.
The government is also working to support a jobs fair that will highlight the various employment opportunities in this industry and provide information on how Bermudians can get a jump start on training for future job opportunities.
We will be working with numerous entities to ensure the information provided is timely and accurate. Bermudians will be able to obtain information via the web, social media as well as traditional media outlets.
We will have an open comment period that will begin on January 28th that will give Bermudians access to a dedicated website 24 hours per day. This will allow Bermudians the opportunity to give feedback, ideas, and concerns related to gaming in Bermuda. The official comment period will end on February 28th.
I personally invite the public to get fully engaged in this education program and have your voice heard. We must get this right for our island and I want the public to know that we, your Government, took the time to ensure that this decision was in fact the right decision for Bermuda’s economic future.
Casino Gaming is not a panacea but a much needed amenity for our tourism product. We must augment our tourism offerings and we must enhance our tourism infrastructure.
The data shows that with the implementation of responsible and well regulated casino gaming we can attract new high-end hotel brands and additional hotel inventory.
Casino gaming will bring hotel investors to the island which will lead to Bermudian jobs. I close by saying that we have a wonderful opportunity to set the example by working together to implement the best holistic casino gaming model this world has seen. Let us usher in a tourism renaissance together.
Thank You.
-
Update 6.17pm: Video #1 of the Minister delivering his statement
Video #2 of the Minister’s Q&A with the media:
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Q: If the purpose of a Casino is to attraction hotel development and tourist… why do locals need to gamble in the Casino?
A: This is not about tourist, this is about a gaming magnate about to make serious cash
They don’t NEED to…
But why should they be stopped?
Simple answer for that Mike Hind!
Bermuda Money goes into Casino, house wins. Profit is exported, money leaves Bermuda, drains our economy.
We want tourists and their money to come in, and be spent, and then we gain.
If its Bermudian money being lost we as a country lose!
Sorry, but it’s not my place, as a member of society, to tell people where they can and can’t spend their money.
Should we ban drinking, too, as folks waste their money on that?
I can tell you this: It won’t be MY money going in.
Also, allowing locals to gamble doesn’t exclude tourists from coming in. That point isn’t even part of the conversation.
Your post seems to based on the premise that, if locals are allowed to gamble, ONLY locals will gamble, which is, of course, ridiculous.
“Your post seems to based on the premise that, if locals are allowed to gamble, ONLY locals will gamble, which is, of course, ridiculous.”
I never said that, it is based on the premise that if Bermudians gamble, they will lose, and their losses, in the form of gambling profits will leave the island and go into the pockets of the overseas investor.
You actually did when you mentioned a casino planning on supporting itself on locals, implying SOLELY doing so.
So. yeah.
Actually, Pants on Fire didn’t say that. I can’t see where (s)he mentions a Casino supporting itself solely on locals
Down the page. Jan. 9th. 2:20pm.
“This should be so clear for all to see! If a casino is planning on supporting itself from locals, thats the type of Casino we don’t need.”
No one but him (or her) was talking about a casino supporting itself from locals.
Person works for exempt reinsurance company… salary from worldwide Dollars. Spends money some of money in casino instead of buying online. Casino employs Bermudian who spends some of that in Local economy.
So you are saying that some IB executive is going to forgo buying something they need/want online (or in Bermuda for that matter) to go lose money in a Casino…. Possible, sure…likely… we’ll have to see.
Your story could also end, “Casino employs expat who has his housing paid for and sends the rest of his money home”.
or, “Casino employs Bermudian who spends some money buying online.
End of story, Foreign Casino Fatcat gets gaming profits and exports them, Bermuda loses.
You first paragraph. Why not? It is you who is apparently saying that Bermudians will, in your words “forgo buying something they need/want online (or in Bermuda for that matter) to go lose money in a Casino….”. So why wouldn’t an expat do the same once in a while?
And if you don’t agree with having casinos in the first place, that’s up to you, but you apparently disagree with Marc Bean.
Who is this Foreign Casino Mythical Fatcat ?
Perhaps profits from Bermuda will be put into investment vehicles, or reinvested in Bermuda opportunities. Perhaps they will help fund the Hotel and make it viable, stabilizing an industry and providing capital for expansion.
Do you travel, do you buy things only made in Bermuda, do you never spend online, do you buy gas for a vehicle, did you buy a vehicle? Huge portions of that money goes overseas.
And I guess when we go to Vegas or Atlantic City etc we don’t take money out of the island?? House might win but thats business NO? Also what about the tax on gaming. If you win a jack pot in the US Uncle Sam, The State, The County, The City etc line up to get their cut before you get yours. Doesn’t the govt need money to pay debts??
Bermuda doesn’t have income tax, so that will never happen. Only tax would be tax on gaming revenues, not on winnings.
Bermudians spend their money overseas come hell or high water. Cheaper shopping in the US. We can spend our money anywhere we see fit..
I am not going to gamble my hard earned money away everyday but I will gamble once in a while for the fun of it and because I am frugal I don’t intend to spend a heck of a lot gambling however if anyone else choses to gamble everyday then so be it..
Live and let live! Money will be made and spent here!
The public education campaign should have come first, before the government embark on taking the vote to the house of parliament. This seems to say the government is not willing to listen to the people of Bermuda first, but rather just move ahead, regardless of what all the people of Bermuda have to say. This may come back to bite the government in a few years time. As short-term impact might seem great, but one must consider carefully the long-term impact of such a bill.
The Education Programme now seems merely like an appeasement process to make folks feel good, since it is coming after the fact. I hope folks do sign the Petition, so that they can be on record of showing that this issue is very important and of great significant to Bermuda’s economic as well as social environment.
The reality is if there is no high level of successful with this regulations of gaming, Bermuda will not have achieve anything, but likely more challenges. There does not seem to be any real indicators or data that Gaming will produce such high results for Bermuda. The data only indicates that while folks are for it, they would prefer it to be done via a Referendum Vote.
If they are only to rely on tourists they will fail. Bermuda’s season is so short that they need the locals to keep the casinos going in the slow months. It is only practical. Aruba has warm weather all year, Bermuda at the moment has at best 5 month season.
Isn’t part of the arguement for this to make it more than a 5 month season. Convention business etc….
The house always wins in a Casino – so basically, we a foreign Casino magnate, to come in, set up, make money off of Bermudians and export the profits…… How can that be good for the economy in the long run?
It will create jobs in construction to start with and jobs in the hotel down the road. People need jobs. Of course ideally the season needs to be extended but that will take time to develop if at all.
There is a reason why Bermuda is a five month tourist destination and that is the weather. Tourists will not come here in the winter months to gamble because of the weather. That is something that will not change.
Ahh hello? Think of Las Vegas. It has tourists coming in all year long. And trust me Vegas gets much colder than Bermuda in winter months. I’ve been there. Casinos are an attraction regardless of weather.
Bda will never be Vegas.
No, it’s because, over the past few decades, we’ve traditionally marketed ourselves as a summer destination.
Before that, we were a winter destination.
The few tourists that I’ve chatted to over the past few weeks are LOVING the weather here at the moment. Even with the rain and winds.
A change in our marketing renders your post incorrect.
Agreed! And let’s not forget about the tourists who can now stay on their ships and gamble. No need to casino hop if you’re bed is on board.
“This is supported by recent polling results which suggest that approximately 70 percent of Bermudians favor the legalization of gaming in Bermuda to assist in bringing jobs, increase tourism and generate revenue on the Island.”
Will the minister release the results of the other questions that he asked in his poll on gaming, or will he just release the one that got the highest score?
Will he commission another poll that asks, “Do you favour the legalisation of gaming in Bermuda, allowing Bermudians to gamble in casinos in spite of the social problems caused” – I’m sure he won’t hit 70%
This is a farce!
Sounds like you have information the rest of us don’t. Care to share?
Mike Hind,
I was polled, if you were polled you would have remembered that they asked 3 questions to do with gaming.
one was simple, do you support, 2nd was something about hotels, and 3rd was the loaded question that Crockwell mentioned….
There you have it, information shared!
Yup there you have it!!! You can’t even remember the questions??? You are nothing more than another dumbed down plp supporter!!!
Please Mike try and be more innovative when commenting you’re getting boring.
Agreed!
Getting?
Yeah.
This, coming from three guys who’s idea of “innovation when commenting” is to ignore points to make personal attacks while hiding like cowards behind fake names.
Yeah. We should listen to you.
Well said “Pants on Fire”…the more key data is: WHAT WILL BE THE SUCCESS LEVEL OF GAMING IN BERMUDA? This is more important than any thing. Will Gaming have the level of success in Bermuda, as the UBPoba are expecting, or is this merely wishful thinking? The other day findings indicated that it will not yield high success for Bermuda.
What findings are those, “Betty”?
Care to share?
See above comment.
Your ridiculous ad hominem attacks and complete lack of content is what’s getting boring.
Nobody knows what the sucess level will be because casinos have never been here. Anyone assuming what the success level will be is simply speculating.
Mind Maps didn’t produce any numbers back on their survey released in December 2013.
What poll is he referring to? I would much rather have an organization produce a survey with questions related to gaming versus some poll.
He’s referring to that mindmaps poll, it was the same poll, I remember as I was polled.
Banks (mortgage holders), landlords, utility companies (belco, cable, telco), cell phone companies, etc., be prepared if this model is going to be followed. The money that should be coming to you will be lost to the one handed bandit. Collections Court will be jam packed!
I bet it will be the opposite. People will probably check it out once and then that’s it. It will be a like a new toy that gets old.
I hope that is the case, which in the long run may be true, and that’s why it makes little sense for the calculation of these new Casino’s to expect gaming revenue from locals to make up their profits.
Bahamas doesn’t have that, and some of their places do QUITE well. But look at Atlantic City, not doing well at all. The last thing Bermuda needs is a quick fix, that doesn’t pan out long term and leaves us with MORE empty hotels!
If the hotelliers or investors want to build them, that’ll be new money into the economy.
Are you a hotellier, if not then STFU !
Why don’t you shut up and let adults make their own decisions. You must be a bible thumper.
We all know that casinos wont attract overseas tourist dollars because the tourists have already told us out of the mouths and through polling. We Bermudians will make the hoteliers rich by spending our own money there. The Government will then tax the hotel thus increasing revenue, so it essentially becomes a hidden tax on locals.
And a drain on the other parts of the economy!
This should be so clear for all to see! If a casino is planning on supporting itself from locals, thats the type of Casino we don’t need.
Who said that there was a casino planning on supporting itself from locals?
If Locals can gamble in the Casino, that will be a part of their expectations when planning, designing, and mapping out financing. I don’t think its that hard to get Mike.. Even YOU can see that!
Um… a small part… if at all.
We, as a country, are planning on hundreds of thousands of tourists per year. Locals will make up a VERY small percentage of potential customers, even if we take into account repeat business.
So… yeah. They’d take locals into account when planning, designing and mapping out financing. But not to the levels where it could be called “planning on supporting itself from locals”
I agree with you that a casino solely targeting locals isn’t what we need here.
I just don’t see anyone but you talking about it.
(Nice insult at the end. Way to keep it classy.)
We “know” this?
Seriously?
ok Mike if you want to nit-pick, yes someone will come to play the tables but not the numbers they would have us believe. The hoteliers and chamber have already told us its not the magic bullet and the tourists (are loyal repeats and the people looking to get away from what they already have at home and that like Bda for being different in its own way) themselves have said casinos wouldn’t influence their decision to come.
Atlantis in the Bahamas may have a nice casino but they attract people because their marketing budget is huge and because the offer so much more than just a casino.
IF it ain’t going to work then the investors won’t invest…What makes you think you are more qualified than a casio operator to determine this????????
Not nit picking. You said that.
You’re also not looking at the whole picture.
Yes, gaming, in and of itself, is not a magic bullet.
But no one is saying that it is. What they ARE saying is that it is just one more thing that we can offer, and it’s one more thing that WILL kickstart investment (investors themselves have said that) and WILL force us to upgrade our product, across the board.
It will force us to “offer so much more”.
Which investors have said that it will kickstart investment? We keep hearing that this? where is the evidence of that fact?
Q
I’d try to answer, but you’ dust ignore everything I’d say, as usual, so I won’t even bother.
Reply and discuss – - that’s the point of discussing a topic, correct? We are having a discussion.
Q
No. We weren’t. You’ ex shown, time and again,that you are incapable of doing so, the evidence is below, where you attribute things that you’ve made up to me.
If you had shown any willingness, ever, to have an honest discussion, I’d love to. You just never have.
I just did and you missed the opportunity.
Q
I missed the opportunity to get into another go-round with you where you ignore not only things that I’ve said but things that YOU’VE said in order to spin things to suit your agenda.
We’ve done it too many times before for me to fall for it again.
That’s the naked real truth!
The locals that want to gamble can. The locals that don’t want to gamble won’t. This “hidden tax” on the locals will only be a tax on those that wish to gamble. The people against gaming in Bermuda won’t be paying this hidden tax due to the fact that they won’t be playing. So what is the issue?
I largely agree with what you say, the challenge however is that it will affect the overall economy. More money in profits to the billionaire casino owner (exported off island) and less money in our economy.
I do beleive that Bermudians should be able to gamble, I however do not think that it should unrestricted. That is a recipe for disaster.
often times the people that this ‘hidden’ tax hurts are the people that can least afford it. The ones living in hope. Hoping to strike the jackpot to get them out of their current situation, not realizing that they are in fact making things worse.
So you’re right, it effects them…the ones wanting to. the ones thinking the casino is their ticket off the bottom rung
Bermuda is about to Turn Up in Many Ways !
At least this is a move forward. I support gambling but would still like to see the details. Having a referendum is a move backwards. You elect leaders to lead. The government doesn’t need the public to make this decision. If the proposed model isn’t the right way forward, then our opposition needs to put forth a better model. But if this is the best model for Bermuda, then the opposition needs to get on board and help the government make this the best possible gambling model for Bermuda.
So now with all the social problems and know one having money you want the poor to continue to be poor by allowing them to spend their last penny.
I thought the whole point of doing this was to allow Tourist a interesting time to have some fun on vacation. Wait to the social problems come from not restricting residents in the casinos.
No one is forcing them to go into casinos.
And they already have options to gamble on island, so…
Mike, you know there is a big difference between “betting” and casino gambling.
Don’t try to simplify the issue. Betting is making a wager on a fixed event (sporting game, horse race). Yes it is gambling, but it is “limited” by the amount of events.
Casino gaming is that non stop slot machine or roulette wheel that goes and goes and goes, sucking the gamer in. There are studies that these machines are designed to be addictive!
I just prefer they sucked the money out of visitors instead of Bermudians!
Are you trying to help Betty with her “Marc Bean’s place isn’t really gambling” idiocy?
So one of them is gaming, one is gambling, and one is
betting….is that your story?
The knots people tie themselves up in, trying to justify something.
I think the writer above said, “Yes it is gambling”
So are you arguing with yourself now?
The writer above actually said “there is a big difference between betting and casino gambling.
This is much easier if you actually read what you’re commenting about.
It’s not me who attempts to distinguish “gaming” from “betting” from “gambling”. That’s the Marc Bean tapdance.
This is a ridiculous semantics game you’re playing.
People with a problem gambling, which you are talking about, DO have access to gamble, both legally, through “betting” and through illegal games that happen all over the island.
The frequency of events is irrelevant. Folks who could potentially spend it all will do so whether it’s all day availability or one bet per week.
Full steam ahead…..(what happened to Monte Carlo style?). Any way I’m lucky, so when I hit that six figure jackpot it will be all mine!! No income tax in Bermuda. Let’s get on with it. Got a conference with some ladies later…..
What if I told all Bermudians that there is a HUGE tax you can levy on expats and tourists that they would LOVE to pay! Not only that, no Bermudians have to pay!. Instead Bermudians can have more jobs AND avoid unwanted additional social problems! Answer: if government is going to open casinos then make it for NON-BERMUDIANS ONLY. Problem solved. Your welcome.
So any Bermudian’s that want to gamble and fly over seas to do so. The money spent leaves Bermuda, the money spent on food and drinks leaves Bermuda etc. At least If in Bermuda the money spent, at least partially will be tax revenue for Bermuda, it will be paying for the jobs in Bermuda. So you could have 100% of gambling money leaving Bermuda or you could retain some of it in Bermuda through Casino staff, food and Beverage etc.
If yur stupid enough to spend your rent money on Crown & Anchor….well you’re just stupid anyway
Exactly. If you don’t like the casino concept, simply don’t go.
I would hope that part of the plan is to tax casino profits so that will be much needed money into the government piggy bank. On top of that, Bermudians will be employed and hopefully there will be knock on effects elsewhere (tour operators, taxis, restaurants, etc.).
all this talk needs to stop. just get over it let’s have gaming those that don’t want it could find a another country that dont have gaming and go live. what cents makes fighting over if we should having gaming or not the things we should be in a up raw we just let slide but want to bicker about that patty stuff
Those that don’t want gaming, don’t go gaming. Simple.
I think you are missing the point.
House always wins, people therefore lose. That loss ripples through the economy.
Its simple to say those that don’t want gaming don’t gamble.. They won’t! The challenge is the knock on effects that it will have on society for free and open access to Bermudians.
And the jobs? do those not count?
These politicians have got marbles in their heads. Pun intended. If they believe the community is so ignorant not to see that the reasons they did not take this matter to referendum is because they could not risk losing a referendum because they would not get their winfall from potential investors then they obviously are not about service to the Bermuda community but more about how much they can, themselves, make off of this charade.
This cast of political figures are no more concerned for the welfare of Bermudians than they are for the man in the moon. You look at Singapore and Aruba as a model–okay, fine. How about you look at Tenerife or other locations which do not permit locals to gamble. No, Minister, you won’t cite those models because, in spite of the commentaries there, the concept does not support your cause. Indeed mortgage, insurance, licensing and loan payments will be bouncing around with that marble which is not between the ears of these MPs.
AMEN!
Your first paragraph is the most important on this blog. It’s the reason the jet gate three scrapped the referendum in the first place. Pay to play……par for the course.
Why is there this huge assumption that people will irresponsibly throw all their food, gas and electric money into gaming? If you are hardcore gambler, there are places already to place your bets. If you are finanically irresponsible, there are plenty of other ways already to be financially irresponsible. I hardly think that financially responsible people turn into financially irresponsible people simply because a casino opens up. You’re either going to blow your money there or on something else. Likewise, those wishing to save and invest will do so regardless if a casino exists.
Exactly.
And how many people will actually MAKE money and have a career because of this?
I’m willing to bet (now that it’ll be legal!) that the number of people actually able to pay their bills because they have a job will outweigh the few folks that will spend everything they have in the casinos.
you cant find a Bermudian in a hotel or restaurant now, why do you think all of a sudden you’ll see them in a casino?
Why do you think we wouldn’t?
And I see Bermudians in hotels and restaurants. Not as many as before, as times are tough and the industry has changed.
What we’re talking about here is another change in the industry.
THAT is why I think we’ll see them back in the industry.
And I respectfully disagree. The amount of jobs that will be created is not enough to justify the level of possible social ills that may be created through casino gaming in Bermuda. My issue with this isn’t the concept of creating casino gaming per say. It is the way in which this was handled. The Minister has indicated that majority of persons polled favoured gaming (cited over 70%) – that is a falsehood (as explained by several persons above) and there were reports last year that indicated that our tourists – those whom we want to spent their money in these casinos – STATED THAT CASINO GAMING WOULD NOT MOTIVATE THEM ANYMORE THAN NOW TO TRAVEL TO BERMUDA – fact.
So what is the reason for this push for gaming? It is simple – - it is not jobs, it is not specifically about investment in Bermuda – - it is about the fact that the government cannot get their potential investors to build without the casino attached.
So that means that with locals allowed unrestricted access, the local dollar will flow into the casino, be filtered overseas as the “House always wins” and in turn the government is provided with minimal funds through the regulations on the hotel/casino which equals to an added tax on locals – plain and simple.
I say local dollar as our tourists have already stated that they won’t gamble in Bermuda – - it doesn’t interest them when here.
I would suggest that the government and the tourism industry look at the real reason tourism is in this state – - Overpriced and undervalued. We have priced ourselves out of the competition and we do not provide quality services to give value for dollar.
We can go to St. Bart’s and spend a week in an all inclusive resort, with added features for the same amount that it would cost to just barely cover 2 to 3 nights in Bermuda, without an added stuff – - which one would you choose?
Q
Saying that it wouldn’t motivate them to come doesn’t mean they wouldn’t use it.
Also those polled were existing visitors. You seem to be ignoring the fact that, as we don’t have gaming at the moment, we can’t ask tourists who WOULD be motivated to come, as they already aren’t coming.
Your entire premise is based on spinning “it wouldn’t motivate me to come to Bermuda” into “Tourists wouldn’t use the casinos”, which is false.
Again, I would disagree with your assessment of my post. My premise, as you put it, is based on actually polling surveys done by the Tourism department over the past 2 to 3 years. (Yes, the department has been engaging our tourist in this discussion for years).
I will admit that yes – the information is based on tourist who are/have visited the island, thus they are a control group; however, this is the demographic of tourist we attract here in Bermuda.
So based on your post, I believe that we should engage those tourist who are not and have not been to Bermuda before we make the move – - instead of moving forward without that vital information.
Agree or disagree?
Q
No. Your premise is based on spinning polling results to suit your needs. As I said, “it wouldn’t motivate me more to come to Bermuda” does not equal “tourists have already stated that they wouldn’t gamble in Bermuda.” The latter is a fabrication that you made up.
So, your premise is false.
And your last paragraph ISN’T based on my post. You can’t just say “based on your post…”. You have to actually base the rest of it on my post. You didn’t.
Mike:
If you believe my premise to be false, I will concede that’s how you interpret it and let it go.
However, I don’t believe you read what I posted in my last paragraph well…or perhaps I choose my words hastily. I am saying that after reading your post and listening to your comments, I PROPOSE that we should engage those tourist who are not and have not been to Bermuda before we make the move – - instead of moving forward without that vital information.
I then asked if you agreed with that position – - as I am interested in your opinion on the matter – do you agree or not? and if not, why?
Q
I don’t ‘believe’ that it’s false. It IS false and I’ve shown how it is.
As for engaging them before we move forward?
Um… how do you propose we do this?
“Hey, we’re thinking about doing this. Wanna come to Bermuda if we do?”
Come on. That’s ridiculous.
That’s how it’s been done for the past 20 years and it doesn’t work.
What DOES work is this: Create or upgrade a good product, then market it properly.
Gaming will force and allow us to upgrade our product.
Anything is better that putting a system in place without truly knowing if it will do what it is intended to do.
This is too important to be rushed and too important to be decided by a select few – - the impact of this will be felt for years to come – - and it is unfair for the current government to make a decision on this important issue without going to the people first – honestly.
Not true. Doing nothing isn’t better than putting a system in place without knowing if it will do what it is intended to do.
And the key phrase in this is “select few”.
They were selected to do exactly this.
“Anything is better that putting a system in place without truly knowing if it will do what it is intended to do.”
Sorry, I have to go back to this.
Are you serious?
This entire sentence is just ridiculous.
“Anything is better that putting a system in place without truly knowing if it will do what it is intended to do.”?
I can’t get over this. I can’t honestly believe that you mean this.
You say “Anything is better…”
Like what? What is the “Anything” that would be better? What are the other options we have? Do nothing, which I have addressed, and… what?
I’m… I can’t figure out how you could think that sentence makes sense.
Additionally, would you care to speak to my assessment from my original post, which follows below:
“I would suggest that the government and the tourism industry look at the real reason tourism is in this state – - Overpriced and undervalued. We have priced ourselves out of the competition and we do not provide quality services to give value for dollar.”
Any thoughts?
Q
Of course we’re overpriced and undervalued. This is not news.
But we need to raise our value to match our prices. The prices are not and can not go down, so all we can do is raise value.
The addition of gaming is something that raises our value. Giving our visitors another option of things to do while here is, plain and simple, something that raises our value.
I don’t understand how anyone doesn’t get that.
You make a great point – - and I understand it. What I fear is that with the inclusion of gaming, the value will not be raised enough to justify the price – economically or socially.
And I believe we need to take a look at lower the prices as this is the benchmark of getting a larger number of tourist to the island. We must broaden the area where we cast our net if we are to catch more fish – yes?
Q
We can’t lower prices. There is simply no way to do that. Things cost money.
And giving people more options IS broadening the area where we cast the net. That’s HOW we will get a larger number of tourists to the island.
The inclusion of gaming, the new investment in the island, the fact that we’ll have to upgrade our hospitality and entertainment products, WILL raise our value. It absolutely will.
How much it raises it is up to us. Personally, I am going to bust my ass and do everything I can do to help raising that value. How ’bout you?
I’d love to hear what other options you think would raise out value to tourists.
Because we’ve seen it before when the slot machines were in bars and clubs. That was only a few short years ago
And the vast majority of folks used them responsibly…
I am in favour of gambling as a form of entertainment for tourists but I am against it for locals. Families will be ruined and children will go hungry if Bermudian men are allowed to gamble. They are already unreliable in not paying child support for all their illegitimate children. Women will be left to pay rent, BELCO etc and unable to buy food for their family.
Crime will increase when their money is lost in casinos.
are we that weak and pathetic?
remember how ppl were saying a certain high profile businessman wanted to convert his new office building to a casino. Well it looks like OBA ain’t for that….. Hello?
yes.
Perhaps we should prevent “locals” from purchasing alcohol and tobacco while we are at it. After all, some locals are addicted to these and some of those are ruining their families. While we are at it we should also stop locals from gambling at the Crown-n-Anchor durring Cup Match. Afterall, gambling is gambling.
Please, spare us. Adults need to take responsibility for their own actions. We do not need a nanny state telling us we can’t participate in some legal recreation because we are too mentally deficient to exercise self control. Will some people have issues? Yes. Should everyone be banded because of these few? No.
Some of the taxes from gaming can be set aside for treatment programmes for this people. Net this Government revenue would still be well up.
Ride
Way to go to put us as a people down….We are adults an can make our own decisions.
Bermudian Burn Notice!
I hope that the jobs fair gives significant focus to higher remuneration roles in the industry and does not simply showcase the lower paid opportunities in the industry.
There are opportunities for statisticians, accountants, lawyers, electrical engineers, computer programmers, and a host of other well remunerated professions to participate in the opportunities of casino gaming. It would be a travesty if all was showcased were cocktail staff, cigar staff, security, and dealers.
Swing voters are watching.
Ride
Money is lost now when locals buy:
- alcohol
- true religion jeans
- the new ipad / iphone
- the new jordans
- crown n anchor
- BINGO
- online gambling (very BIG right now)
All the above and gambling have 1 thing in common. People have a CHOICE to purchase and play. It’s about choices. If you choose bably, thats your problem. Yes there maybe social issues but the issues already exist now because some in Bermuda live this materistic word and feel the MUST have it all but can’t afford it. Set your priorities (i.e. pay bills) before you drink on Friday and gamble on Saturday.
Bermuda is modernising and we as a country need to adjust. If you don’t like it, come up with another solution which to date i have not heard one. Just alot of “im against it” and “no we shouldn’t allow it”.
If you dont like plan A, come up with another plan. Nut until then, this is plan A.
sp… materialist world
Just so you know, profits from Bingo don’t get exported overseas by Casino Fat-Cats.. Money may be lost, by some, and won by others, but it doesn’t leave the country. Same with Crown and Anchor (a truly asinine game)
Big mistake, allowing all Bermudians to gamble in the Casinos. Please rethink this, or Bermuda will have more problems than they can deal with.
but they do gamble now !!!!!
Iin your mind…if We cannot be trusted to look after ourselves if there is a CASINO, then why should we be trusted with the right to vote? We are adults. Please surrender your vote as you can’t be trusted.
Warning to investors – high labor cost, high energy cost, high construction cost. Just how do they plan to make money?
Uh casinos can cover those costs!
Have you been to St. Bart’s? Costs are sky high there and they are doing tremendously well.
Why is that your concern…that is the concern of the investor.
See how it goes, what the hell. If it becomes a problem, Govt can issue Bermudians with a Gambling License much the same as it issues Driver’s License. The license would be required to be presented when the Bermudian who wants to gamble, checks in to the hotel. You could have a section of the TCD Building for administering written tests, and issuing the license. (so no additional costs there really) Require certain other criteria like an age limit – 21? Then issue a photo ID that has an expiration date so the individual would need to renew every year/2 years/ whatever. Could charge a $250 fee for the license even.
Add to that requirement that (i) the licence is renewable annually; (ii) all licence-holders are automatically ineligible for Financial Assistance; and (iii) to avoid abuses, the Ministry has the discretion to possibly disqualify their entire household from Financial Assistance.
First, the Bermuda Gambling Commission (BGC) will be set up (similar in structure to the new Bermuda Tourism Authority and the Nevada State Gaming Control Board). All betting and gaming establishments will be regulated by the BGC which would be funded by licensing fees paid by the regulated establishments.
The BGC will also maintain a database of Bermuda residents eligible to gamble; their driver’s license or Voter ID card will be kept on file. All regulated establishments will have access to the database to query a customer’s eligibility to gamble and will face sanctions from the BGC if they allow ineligible gamblers admittance into their establishments.
Gamblers will be flagged ineligible to gamble by the BGC via established criteria such 1) a recipient of Social Assistance 2) outstanding Government sanctions and fees 3) Court judgments for unpaid rent, child support 4) bank loan arrears etc. Reporting criteria and protocols would be established for Banks, credit agencies, the Courts and Police to supply current data to the BGC.
With proper and effective regulation and oversight, individuals that should not be gambling based on pre-determined criteria, will find it difficult to gamble at regulated gaming and betting establishments.
I think it is important that all of Bermuda really step back and take a big picture perspective on this. It is 2014 and we do need to try to catch up and regain our attractiveness as a destination. Our product has lost a lot of ground against our world-wide competitors. While Gaming is not the silver bullet solution to our economic / tourism woes, it will greatly assist us in securing group business as well as add a niche attraction to enhance our marketing draw. Being only a short flight from the east coast (even shorter for high rollers in private jets) gives us a huge opportunity to attract high end visitors. Let’s not react when we do NOT know what the final regulations will be. The town hall meetings should be taken advantage of to constructively air our genuine concerns and give input as to how it will be regulated. This it is a big change for the Island. We need to try to stay objective and open minded in this process. This is the future of the Island and we need to work together to reach the best possible solution. If properly regulated and carefully put into place, this could be a win win situation for everyone.
I agree with you Lovely Bermuda. We need to try an not be too reactive and make assumptions here. There is a potential benefit to resort casino gaming; increasing our tourist numbers, increasing jobs, new hotel development, increasing entertainment and other businesses that can indirectly and directly benefit from this.
There is also a potential negative here as well with social ills. But when you read the press release and the phrase “responsible, regulated gaming” and the time it took government to make these decisions that all of the factors were thoroughly considered.
If it is going to be responsible…if it is going to be regulated, then I for one will attend these town hall meetings look at the educational campaign and do my research because the government will have to explain further what “responsible and regulated gaming is”.
So I do agree, if properly regulated and carefully put into place, this could be a win win for everyone. Let’s be level headed, proactive to get information (as there is A LOT of misinformation out there, just read these posts) and learn and not jump to assumptions.
When one travels on vacation, do you choose the destitaion based on the hotel, or the hotel based on the destination? I decide on the later, and I believe that’s the case with most people. Why does our government feel that, if you build hotels, the people will come.
Ever heard of Vegas?
Or Atlantis?
This is dumb. So dumb it blows my mind. In no way, short or long run, will this be beneficial for Bermuda. Bermuda has been founded for generations on two things, a good economy and a strong moral fibre of our society. Both have been in decay for better part of a decade and while both should be of upmost importance to our society it would seem that the OBA has obviously favored one over the other. From talks of marijuana, liquor sales on Sunday and now a referendum on gaming. Either the OBA are overly concerned about our economy that they would willingly put our social wellbeing on the back burner or they are so concerned with holding power that they are giving in to the inhibitions of our people. It’s the responsibility of the government to do just that, be responsible. There should be more engaging discourse with the public and more creative solutions should be considered. Casinos just may well increase tourism and make them happy, I don’t know this and neither does the OBA despite whatever their “data” leads them to conclude. What it will do with absolute certainty is diminish the quality of life for all Bermudians. I hope Bermudians wise up for all our sakes and see through this nonsense.
@BMB
In what way will casino gaming “diminish the quality of life for all Bermudians”?
Ride
Great – a potential large payout winnings for gang members to further finance their criminal enterprise.
So to imagine that a local has a IB client in Bermuda and after dinner they wish to have a little nightlife or gambling the Bermudian would have to decline?? Everyone should be able to enjoy it!!
Much like bars and nightclubs on Front Street if you are not in agreement with them – don’t go to them but it has to be remembered that bars and nightclubs do put a lot of money and jobs into Bda’s economy.
Yes, and they are owned by Bermudians, so the profits are not exported to international casino moguls.
Integrated Casino, Biggest in Singapore – Marina Bay Sands, owner, multibillionare Sheldon Adelson. Look at his past, look at the practices, and understand.
..sounds like a 100% owned casino would be 100% ok with you. Go put up the money and do it. Stop whinning like a little brat.
Nobody is going to put a gun on your head to visit the casino and bet. Its your own choice.
Casinos staff will mostly be locals, thus more jobs will be created.
This whole “if you don’t like it you don’t have to be a part of it” mentality is ludicrous. It’s called a negative externality. Even though many may choose not to participate the negative implications are still being forced onto them. When Bermudians start taking their paychecks to the roulette table and slappin’ it all down black thats money lost for everyone. Some of it will make its way into government’s books and hotel staff, sure, but most will go to the casinos’ head honchos and subsequently make its way overseas. It becomes a large sum of capital that is not being reinvested into improving our country. Gambling is a serious problem and casinos degrade the society in which they’re based. The only happy people in Vegas are the ones in the penthouse, believe it.
Sorry your point is wrong the hotels in Vegas are full and operating. We have hotel product that cannot be filled, not upgraded and near collapse (Elbow). Allowing gambling will get hotel operators investing in their product and people working. Please do tell me what other idea do you have to get many people working soon???
The two noises you hear in the background are 1. The sound of OBA supporters grumbling and thinking how they’ll spin this decision to somehow fit with their narrative that this benefits Marc Bean personally and 2. Sir John Swan clearing his throat to lambaste the OBA for depriving him of his dream (a la Quinton Edness of late). This should be fun. Let the cannibalism continue.
No, this doesn’t benefit Marc Bean personally. It competes with him. So he will be bleating like mad over the new day or two.
I thought that sound was the usual gear changes from your side to try to figure out a way to oppose whatever the latest decision from the OBA is…
Its like choosing to smoke week, crack, or drink rum….freedom of choice. If you wanna get stupid and throw away your money, there are several ways to make this happen. Personally, I spend 20 GBP per month playing the football pools…..which equates to lunch money
Thank god some entertainment for locals to do when times get really really boring… Which is most of the time.
Casino gaming is gambling and that is already on the island with places like Seahorse and Gametime where you can place bets on sports. You do it at your own risk. Anybody who becomes broke because of it has their self to blame . There are people on the island (mainly religious people) who are against gambling and they do deserve to have their voices heard. Which is why a referendum would’ve been cool.
We need casinos here which will help us in so many ways. Off the top of my head these are the things I want to be set in stone.
Bermudians should be sent away now to train so they will be ready to work at the casinos. BERMUDIANS should be hired not foriegn workers. This needs to benefit Bermudians and the hotels which will help us greatly so lets start exporting our people for Gaming training.
This should be exclusive and set up to be “Pay to Play’ I think $100,000.00 membership fee should keep out the rift-raft, like me, which will make for a better experience for our hotel guests. One weekend a month should be open for the locals and see how it goes from there. We must protect our people from evils of gambling. Ive learned my lesson over the years the hard way. The government and hotel owners want to take from the rich so they can ease up our taxes and not take from the poor. Profits from gambling should go to lowering our income tax and heathcare. If the gov makes money it should be reflected in the average mans weekly deductions. That way we all profit one way or another. Maybe give locals a monthly limit on how much they can bet so this doesnt make our homeless population quadruple in less than a year.
Entertainment: Bermudians bands, comedians, dancing, and our culture needs to be showcased at these casinos. Bermudians need be dealing out the cards, sweeping the floors, greeting the guests, singing, dancing and entertaining the guests. I want and 80 to 20 ratio of Bermudians to foreigners minimum.
Agreed on paragraphs 2 and 4.
3, for me, I got a problem with. It’s not my business how someone spends their money and, if they’re going to spend it gambling, they’re going to do it anyway, either online or in overseas casinos or in local betting shops, already.
I agree, I just dont want 2000 kids between the age of 18 and 21 down there with 50 bucks in their hands trying to rule the world while Im trying to sip on wine and smoke a cigar. Must keep it classy and make the rich feel important or they wont spend their money and youll end up taking from the poor people. No one will go town anymore and bars on front street will suffer. Do they get their slot machines back in the bars..?? Can I open a gambling den in my basement and pay 20 percent tax to the government on my winnings? All rules thrown out the door and we bum rush the casinos or we give this to the hotels to bring in more guests, high profile people and provide jobs for Bermudians. Maybe we can have a few casinos with a few being private and exclusive. Look at the golf clubs in Bermuda……i want the Tuckers Point of Casinos and you want the Port Royal Casino which are two fantastic venues but if its money you want, go exclusive and take from the rich. The Robin Hood type of Casino protects the people and brings in the money. Do you think members and green fees cover the yearly costs at Port Royal, maybe…..What about Ocean View..I doubt they are running a profit and need Gov funding to remain open..Please correct me if I am wrong as I am going off an assumption.
I do hear you loud and clear as my idea for a casino actually keeps me out of it. I should have the right to go to the casino and I should also have the right to play golf at mid ocean, but thats going to happen any time soon. It will be exclusive, the investors will make sure of that.
Who is talking about “all rules thrown out the door”?
Bermudians are the stupidist closed minded people on this earth… Bermudians please get out of your comfort zone !!!!!
We are part of the global world !!!! WAKE THE HELL UP !!!
Looks like Bermuda is as divided on gaming and gaming for locals as they were on the OBAupb win in 2012…
I am an OBA supporter but something is not right here. First a referendum, then no referendum – this smells of back room deals and secret handshakes. There is something that is time sensitive going on in the background, government is rushing this decision, why? Of course the government is going to allow locals to gamble, they know that tourists gaming here will not save our economy. There is much more going on here then we are lead to believe. People sign the petition, let’s not gamble with the future of our little island.
With your comment you just did.
an excellent comment road runner. This has all the hallmarks of back room deals. I thought, based on the way many accused the PLP of corruption, that people will clearly see the tell-tail signs of political pay to play and financial payoffs. Who will be responsible for granting the licences, the Ministers or the new TA?
I have no problem with Bermudians being allowed to play. We are free beings. If you don’t like gambling, don’t do it.
There are too many questions that the people need clarity on. A real educational process would have come with a referendum. Real civic input would have been gleaned. The OBA has disrespected the people, and I can only think of back room deals as the primary reason for this. While we, the voters argue over the pros and cons of gambling, a few people are fixing to get paid! I do not trust the jet gate three!
Let’s fix what we have. More beach concessions, walk on moorings at our docks and harbors, repair St. George golf course, to name a few. Bermuda is not currently realizing its existing potential and we are looking at new things.
How are we supposed to pay to fix all this?
The PLP needs another BOOGEYMAN to blame for when those of their supporters who will spend their paychecks, then their rents, and finally lose their houses due to GAMBLING.
To the PREMIER & TOURISM MINISTER:
This is absolutely the right model. Well done.
GREAT NEWS for BERMUDA…….
Now our Tourism Authority can really get down to work and assist private enterprize to rebuild and build Tourism.
It took forever to get here…..and now we Bermudians must “Carpe Diem”.
GREAT NEWS……Give the visitors options and fun. Jobs for Bermudians, tax revenue and yes revenue for hotel developers and shareholders. A win win. Finally the HOTELS will be on a level playing field with the Cruise Ships coming here. GO BERMUDA, our future will be exciting with new product and choices for our guests.
There may be a lot of people out of work ,the economy my not be looking so good but there is still
a lot of high rollers living in Bermuda.
There’s is allways some fool that will spend his paycheck on gaming other than paying his rent – the same way
there are people that spend there money in Bars,or buying Weed.
Hey’ Gaming is already here ‘ there are people that Play Cards for money – every weekend – and there’s no stopping them.
so why not have a fully regulated Gaming system that will include locals.
The Govt. and ,the People of Bermuda must act ASAP. — were broke!
Can’t keep borrowing Money – we have to now make it !
My first gut reaction was that it should be visitors only & only at hotels but that is not fair. Locals can gamble to their hearts content or go broke now. All it takes is a few clicks. You don’t even have to leave your home.
Also, it is not fair that that gambling licenses only be offered to hotels. If the local bars want to have machines or a few tables they should be allowed to do so. After all the local bars are locally owned so the profits stay here, at least for a little while.
Drive around Montana. Casinos everywhere. Well, many are nothing more than a few machines in a bar or a liquor store. Nothing, not even the casinos which are part of a hotel look anything remotely like Vegas.
Why is this a big deal, 90% of households have computers and internet access, 100% of households have a debit card or credit card. so they can
go online at anytime now and gamble. So why not let casinos in at least the Government can get a cut.And it will create jobs.
Stop all the stupidity.
P.S
I just won $5000.00 on those silly pull machines.