Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe last night revealed initial findings of his study into illegal gambling in the Bahamas, announcing that there are 45 illegal gambling houses in New Providence and 12 in Grand Bahama and 60 percent of the adult population of the Bahamas spend anywhere from $1.8 million to $2 million both locally and abroad on games of chance each week.
“Our choices are very clear. We must either strengthen the penalties for this illegal activity, or we must find the formula to introduce a national lottery,” said Minister Wilchcombe as he delivered the keynote address at night three of the Progressive Liberal Party’s 47th annual convention.
That declaration drew applause from convention delegates, with many of them appearing to support his suggestion that the government expands legalized gaming.
“I will be submitting the data collected to church and community leaders shortly and would wish to begin dialogue early next year,” Minister Wilchcombe said.
He suggested that the time for hypocrisy surrounding illegal gambling must come to an end.
The thorny issue of illegal gambling was thrust into the spotlight a few weeks ago when Minister Wilchcombe introduced a bill in the House of Assembly to expand gaming in local casinos, providing for pari-mutuel wagering in the Bahamas .
It was at that time that Minister Wilchcombe raised the idea that perhaps the time was ripe for the introduction of a national lottery in the Bahamas.
But his suggestion sparked criticism from church leaders like Christian Council President Bishop Sam Greene and the President of the Bahamas National Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention Rev. William Thompson who said gambling is “unchristian” and a lousy excuse for economic growth.
Minister Wilchcombe and others – including Prime Minister Perry Christie – have said that a referendum may be in order to determine the true views of Bahamians regarding gambling.
The PLP Government, which promotes its partnership with the church, would undoubtedly face serious opposition from religious leaders who appear to be unbending in the stance they have taken for years against illegal gaming.
The Tourism Minister reportedly holds a list of the gaming houses, but it is also reported that there is a lack of will in the Attorney General’s Office to shut these lucrative illegal businesses down.
But it’s an issue that the country must deal with once and for all, Minister Wilchcombe said.
By Tosheena Blair, The Bahama Journal
