Operator News
The Bahamas – Reef ruling scheduled for next month
By Phil - 5 August 2013
Politicians in the Bahamas are expected to decide next month which new casino group will operate at the Reef Village resort on Grand Bahama.
Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe said the National Economic Council would make a recommendation to the ministry and then Cabinet would rule on the matter. The government, he added, was targeting viable casino operators to bolster the country’s tourism. Twelve groups have applied for the opportunity including one local company.
Mr. Wilchcombe said: “We are trying to ensure that the capital, Bimini and Grand Bahama, insofar as gaming is concerned, that we have good brands. We’ve got to make sure that each brand can attract visitors to The Bahamas. We want to make sure that the standard is high, the games are available and that we have the capacity to get you there.”
Reef Village is operated by Canadian group Sunwing. The aim is to reopen the resort in November following the completion of a refurbishment.
Mr. Wilchcombe revealed that another local, casino group wanted to operate a standalone, bingo-focused ‘casino’ on Grand Bahama a further application from a group of Bahamians is being considered for the South Ocean casino license in New Providence.
A new Gaming Bill will be put forward to Parliament before the end of the summer. It would allow several classes of licenses; including gaming, proxy gaming, restricted interactive gaming and junket operator licenses.
