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. They’re 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 Democratic National Alliance listened intently to the contribution made by the Minister responsible for Gaming in Parliament during which, he announced the government’s intention to move forward with the legalization, regulation and taxation of web shop gaming. While web shops have been at the center of much of the government’s focus since taking office, two key issues were unfortunately missing from his communication.

The DNA 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. We can only hope that the government will seize this opportunity to level the playing field and facilitate real and significant advancement in the gaming industry.

And what about plans for a National Lottery? Unlike with web shop gaming, a properly regulated and implemented National Lottery could potentially provide millions to the public purse, with the monies generated, used to fund state sanctioned projects within sports, education, and other social programs.

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 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?

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.

“It is not enough to write off the National Lottery as a bad idea for the country, but offer no proof that the necessary research was done to support that position” said DNA Leader Branville McCartney, who was in 2007/2008 Minister of State responsible for Gaming in the Bahamas.

“The Prime Minister was elected by the Bahamian people to act on their behalf and in their best interest. We are entitled to know the answers to these questions!”

The Democratic National Alliance will, along with the rest of the nation, wait patiently for the release of the government’s gaming legislation. We can only hope that they fully weigh all the country’s options and create legislation which will empower Bahamians and return the country’s legacy as a gaming mecca to its rightful place in the region and the world.