“The bill we seek to pass represents a significant and critical adjustment to our tourism product and Bermuda as a destination,” Crockwell said, noting the general decline of the tourism industry since the 1980s. In the past 30 years, Bermuda has moved from a tourism industry leader to an industry outsider.
The minister said that while casino gaming would not be a panacea for Bermuda tourism, it would serve as a catalyst for job creation and investment in the industry.
He also told the House that there had been “extensive” public consultation, noting that three public forums were held and a recording of one of these, held in St George’s, was broadcast “continuously” on television.
Following the new legislation that allows for three casinos to operate at any one time, the Casino Gaming Commission can, if needed, select more than three sites as being suitable for a casino from which operators choose choose from, as well as for any future expansion.