Any proposed gaming legislation presented to Parliament should ensure “fair play” for Bahamians, Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis said Wednesday.
Minnis spoke to the draft Gaming Bill for the first time in an interview with The Nassau Guardian.
When asked whether that meant Bahamians should be allowed to gamble in casinos, Minnis said, “In terms of [whether] Bahamians should be in casinos, I feel yes, but that is my personal view.”
Speaking in the Minority Room of the House of Assembly, he also said, “Whatever is done you should ensure fair play to the Bahamian populous, and you should ensure that you truly believe in Bahamians.
“That is the most important thing.”
The bill in its current form would also allow work permit holders and permanent residents to gamble in casinos in The Bahamas.
Bahamians would be the only group of people prohibited from gambling. This element has caused an outcry in some quarters.
The bill would also allow people outside The Bahamas to gamble on a website established, maintained and operated by the holder of a local gaming license.
But they must be in a country or jurisdiction that permits online gaming.
It would also allow mobile and online gaming at the properties of license holders.
