The Introduction of Pari-mutuel wagering in The Bahamas is expected to provide strength and vibrancy to the Gaming Industry but will also offer local casinos with a competitive edge.
While speaking in the House of Assembly Wednesday, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe noted that once enacted, the Legislation will broaden sports betting in the Bahamas in which case visitors will now be able to place bets on horse and dog races while watching the event in “real time.”
“The introduction of Pari-mutuel betting will create new opportunities in our casinos, while at the same time enhancing the appeal of the casino business in the Bahamas ,” Minister Wilchcombe said.
“This is vital in our quest to develop a sustained program for tourism growth and development and to fully appreciate the scope of what it will take to bring about a resurgence in the tourism product.”
Minister Wilchcombe further noted that while the introduction of a lottery offers much advantages and consequences, we cannot continue to ignore the illegal gaming activity that presently takes place nor the large amounts of money that continuously leave our country headed for the Florida lottery.
“We have one or two choices to this issue,” Mr. Wilchcombe said. “We can either strengthen or enforce the present law or find a formula that would make the introduction of lottery palatable.”
When enacted the Legislation will allow casinos to conduct Pari-mutuel wagering, provided that there is a simultaneous transmission of pictures of the horse races.
ﾠA release from the Ministry of Tourism said that sports betting and Pari-mutuel betting are now considered added amenities that are necessary to attract businesses that would have otherwise selected other gaming jurisdictions where facilities are available.
The Minister further noted that while he agrees with the views expressed by Christian Council President Bishop Samuel Greene that “we must avoid the easy way out in search of a resolution to the myriad of problems that face the Bahamas,” he also assures the president that a lottery will create new employment opportunities thanks to a “collective use of creativity.”
Reaffirming that the church and the state must continue to work together, the Minister noted that he intends to meet with the Bahamas Christian Council to share with them and hear from them their views on moving forward on the issue.
According to Chairman of the Gaming Board Kenyatta Gibson it is hoped that Bahamians be allowed to reach a decision on what they would wish to see happen.
“I believe that when we come to debate matters that relate interests, rights and concessions bestowed on visitors, we must also call into the question the bigger picture of what are the rights of the Bahamian people who are been called upon to sanction and agree with what we do here.” Mr. Gibson said.
While a guest speaker on the radio talk show Parliament Street , Minister Wilchcombe reassured the public that a referendum would have to be conducted to hear the views of the people.
