Bermuda outlines casino location process

Measures included in the Casino Gaming Amendment Bill 2015 detail how landowners can apply for a casino to be developed on a designated location.

If it is approved, landowners would be able to submit an application, together with a non-refundable $50,000 application fee, to the recently formed Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission. After the application is considered, Shawn Crockwell, Minister of Tourism Development and Transport, will make the final decision and issue an order for the site.

“The commission’s decision and advice to the minister shall be based on facts and circumstances known at the time the decision is made and may be subject to conditions the commission deems responsible in the public interest,” the regulation stated.

Applications are required to contain project information and include plans, specifications, drawings, reports and other requested documentation. Factors to be considered by the commission are suitability to host an integrated resort and gaming facilities. Once a designated site order has been issued, the operator must still apply for a casino license.

Spearheaded by Minister Crockwell, Bermuda introduced casino gaming legizlation to boost the island’s tourism sector and create much-needed employment for thousands of Bermudians. The Minister added that at least five global casino operators have expressed interest and hopes the first facility would open in time for the 35th America’s Cup in 2017.