A closer look at casino gaming
- A Government Information Agency feature
Guyana Chronicle
January 13, 2007

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A BROAD spectrum of arguments has been advanced relative to the implementation of casino gaming (casino gambling) and its applicability for Guyana.

An objective analysis of this issue requires an evaluation of the opposing circumstances which infringe on the rights of the religious community and the economic implications which include revenue generation and employment.

Casino Gaming and Morality
Religious doctrines of the major religious denominations in Guyana categorically oppose the tabling, consideration or passage of any legislative framework which upholds or promotes casino gaming or any of its associated activities.

The tenets are all clear on the participation in any game of chance for money or any other store of value.

Prior to the tabling of the Casino Gaming Bill on January 11, the religious community via various protest activities has demonstrated its opposition of its enactment.

The reality is, however, that a large faction of the populace (including those with religious convictions) has accepted gambling in a variety of forms among which are lotteries and horseracing.

In some cases, the commercial benefits of gambling have been recognised by the religious community as was evidenced by its holding of raffles and bingo games.

Why then is casino gambling being singled out as the great evil?

Economic implications of Casino Gambling

The tourism sector is being advanced as an imperative for economic diversification and the government remains committed to ensuring that new avenues are pursued to achieve this objective.

The most dominant motivation behind the introduction of the Bill is its economic implications which include attracting investment and developing the tourism sector, through the creation of additional forms of entertainment.

Additionally, the activity is expected to generate direct and indirect employment.

Tourism has proven to be a leading earner in many parts of the world including North America, Asia and Europe.

In the United States, for example, casino gambling has experienced tremendous growth in the past two decades, with governments authorizing increases in the granting of licences countrywide.

More that 1.8M persons are currently employed in the tourism and hospitality sector which generates $1.3 trillion in economic activity annually.

In India, revenue from the gaming industry has grown by more than 300 per cent within just eight years.

Challenges associated with casino gambling

Issues advanced against casino gambling include addictions, prostitution and increased opportunities for money laundering.

While these activities can be encouraged by tourists, the specific activity of casino gambling cannot be scientifically linked to gambling addictions or prostitution.

It is true that there have been proven links between money laundering and casino gaming; these facts are recognised by the Administration and provisions are being put in place to address these.

The Head-of-State has issued a guarantee that only staff of the casinos and guests of the hotels will be allowed onto the casino halls.

The legislation provides for severe punitive measures against offenders and attracts fines to the tune of $20M and prison terms ranging from six months to two years.

Conclusion
While the basis for the opposition by the religious community is legitimate, many remain confused by its double principle of accepting some aspects of gambling and prohibiting others.

It should be noted also that extensive consultations have been held between the government and a broad spectrum of stakeholders which included the business community.

Relative to the threats associated with the activity, the government is cognisant of these and has since initiated strategies to tackle these.

According to one scholar, the increase in roads and other forms of infrastructure results in more vehicular traffic and by extension a higher incidence of accidents.
Should that detract the government from building new roads?