Casino gambling legislation…
Concerns raised do not reflect modern perspective - PM

Kaieteur News
January 11, 2007

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Prime Minister Samuel Hinds says arguments against the introduction of casino gambling in local hotels do not address the dynamic nature of the age in which we live.

At a media briefing last evening called to clarify concerns of the issue, the Prime Minister noted that the advent of technology which enables gambling in the virtual world of the Internet is already upon us.

“Where will we be when new technologies appear that will in any case allow legalised gambling to take place across international borders?” the Prime Minister questioned.

He added that, in any event, an analysis of the current situation in Guyana shows that there are already several gaming activities in the form of lotteries and horseracing. Betting on cricket and football games are also a common occurrence, the Prime Minister noted.

His comments come even as the legislation to allow gaming in Guyana is being laid in Parliament today.

It also comes against the backdrop of strong opposition from the religious community and opposition parties.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the primary purpose for the introduction of the legislation is to attract and develop the tourism sector by providing this as one of many forms of entertainment which will be at the disposal of visitors to Guyana.

He also noted that the move will result in job creation for a considerable number of Guyanese.

Commenting on the concerns raised by the Christian community that casino gambling would increase the incidence of crime, poverty and prostitution among others, Hinds said Government is committed to putting the necessary controls in place to avoid the negative social activities which may be there for temptation.

The fact that the legislation provides only for hotels of a certain standard and size to be granted licenses and that no more than three licenses will be granted within any one region, and that Guyanese resident in the country will be excluded from eligibility for participation, are some examples of the controls cited by the Prime Minister that are being put in place to avoid any negative impacts on the society.

He also pointed out that there will be attempts to launder money, gamble and commit acts of prostitution, even without the vehicle of casino gambling.

He reiterated that it is up to each individual who is aware of any possible danger to be on their guard.

The PM informed that Government has examined the experiences of other countries such as the Bahamas, USA and even some of the more conservative countries such as Singapore and India, and formed the view that further studies would not be particularly useful in predicting with any more certainty, the outcome.

“The government must move forward and test the issue and make up its own experiences as it goes along. There are quite a number of respectable countries which have casino gambling; it can be made useful,” the Prime Minister posited.

In answer to concerns raised by the Christian community about the low level of participatory consultations that were conducted on the issue, Hinds said that at consultations held with leaders of the religious community on December 8 last, the opposing views expressed were mainly theological in nature.

He said that while their views are to be respected, when the pros and cons of the issue are weighed, Government feels it is wiser to have gaming in a regulated environment than to take a position to prohibit it.

He noted that even now the administration would crave an audience with the religious community to discuss issues pertaining to the monitoring of the potential dangers, but is of the view that the body will not be so inclined.

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that Government will be able to effectively ‘police' the new system to ensure compliance with the regulation.

Towards this end, the police force has stepped up its programme and special initiatives are being formulated to treat with the potential dangers associated with casino gambling.

Legislation for gaming in Guyana is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament today and have its second reading on January 19.