Supplier News

Bermuda – Casinos to ‘enhance Bermuda’s tourism infrastructure’

By Phil - 15 January 2014

The Bermudan government has confirmed that 2014 will be the year that gaming comes to the British Overseas Territory located in the North Atlantic Ocean, off the east coast of the United States.

The island’s government confirmed it wanted to follow the Integrated Casino Resort model used in Singapore and that it would ‘proceed with the establishment of legalised casino gaming through the parliamentary process.’

Tourism Minister Shawn Crockwell said he was “confident it was the right decision for Bermuda.”

“We engaged industry leaders as well as consulted with past and current leaders of jurisdictions that have already implemented casino gaming and believe we are on the right track in creating an industry that will be beneficial to the island whilst limiting adverse effects,” Mr. Crockwell said “One of the benefits of getting into this industry late is that we can learn from the mistakes of other jurisdictions.”

The government will launch a public education programme later this month in order to highlight its ‘vision, goals, objectives and measurable outcomes associated with casino gaming.’

Mr. Crockwell added: “Casino Gaming is not a panacea but a much needed amenity for our tourism product. We must augment our tourism offerings and we must enhance our tourism infrastructure. The data shows that with the implementation of responsible and well regulated casino gaming we can attract new high-end hotel brands and additional hotel inventory.”

Mr. Crockwell added that casinos would operate within existing or new hotels rather than as standalone properties.

“Following an extensive review and analysis, the government has decided to embrace the Integrated Casino Resort model for Bermuda,” he explained. “Although we will be unique and maintain our special Bermuda brand this model is similar to the Aruban and Singaporean casino models. It is paramount that the Government now engages the public with the salient information concerning what we are proposing and all of the main issues surrounding this industry,” he added. “There is a great deal of misinformation out there about the casino gaming industry and what we as the government plan to implement here in Bermuda. We want to disseminate the facts and hear everyone’s view on this issue. During the public education period, we will share the data we have collected which will include the potential economic benefits, potential social risks and how to mitigate against those risks and the potential for job creation for Bermudians. We have a wonderful opportunity to set the example by working together to implement the best holistic casino gaming model the world has ever seen. Let us usher in a tourism renaissance together.”