The Tribune

DNA Leader Branville McCartney yesterday warned that proposed gaming reforms threaten the country’s high standing in the industry.

In a press statement, Mr McCartney criticised the government’s neglect of two “key issues”: discrimination against Bahamians, and the possibility of a National Lottery.

Mr McCartney said: “After years of leading the region in the area of gaming, the current administration threatens to destroy the Bahamas’ long-standing reputation as the country to beat. Their attempts to bring regulation and improvements to the overall industry have instead been a series of missteps that have caused confusion and uncertainty; two traits which have seemingly become the trademarks of this administration.

“The DNA,” he said, “had hoped that after being severely delayed, any legislation presented to the Bahamian people would seek to address the blatant discrimination against Bahamians which exist in the current gaming laws. For years, we have allowed visitors to come to our shores and gamble freely. For years we have allowed Bahamians to work in casinos; and for years Bahamians have participated in various forms of gaming through raffles, at the Carnival and the like.

“Therefore, the idea that it is illegal for a Bahamian to participate in an activity to which visitors are allowed unfettered access, is simply warped.”

After more than a year of speculation following the “No Vote” in the 2013 Gaming Referendum, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe announced that the Government will regularise and tax webshop gaming by July 1.

Prior to the announcement, Mr McCartney agreed that the government should legalise and regulate gaming, adding that web shop owners should be fined for their years of operating illegally before they are granted licences.

Speaking to the press, Mr McCartney said instead of wasting millions on a failed opinion poll, Prime Minister Perry Christie should have legalised gaming and showed the country that he is able to lead.

Less than half of the country’s registered voters participated in the January 28, 2013 referendum.

There was an overwhelming “no” vote to both questions on the ballot.

The first question read: Do you support the regulation and taxation of Web Shop gaming?

The second question read: Do you support the establishment of a National Lottery?

Yesterday, Mr McCartney said: “Many Bahamians will recall clearly the PLP’s promise to fully examine the possibility of a National Lottery. However, upon consultation with an outside entity, the Prime Minister, after so eloquently selling that dream to the Bahamian people, immediately abandoned the idea.

“The DNA,” he said, “therefore questions whether or not that campaign promise was nothing more than a ploy for political expediency? Did Mr Christie, while in opposition do the necessary research before presenting the idea to Bahamians? Did the PLP ever intend to implement such a lottery?”

Added Mr McCartney: “What is even more troubling is that yet again, this government has failed to provide the public with an acceptable explanation for their decision. Despite promises to release the details, the public has yet to see such a report. Even now, more than a year later, we have not been made aware of the true cost of the government’s consultations with various foreign firms, and have received no explanation as to why the idea was so easily rejected.”