| Bermuda gets Canadian pointers on gaming |
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 Bermuda got a lesson from Canada on the casino business.
Earlier this week, Margaret McGee, vice-president of prevention programming and public affairs for the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation (NSGC), met with government and opposition United Bermuda Party (UBP) legislators to discuss the Canadian province's experience with gaming.
The visit comes as the Ewart Brown administration will table a green paper on 'Gaming For Bermuda' during the current session of the House of Assembly and a gaming task force report is currently before cabinet.
Those who attended the meeting with McGee said it was an in-depth look at how gambling evolved in the east coast province, the revenue it generated and the social ills that stem from casinos. Nova Scotia has two casinos, more than 2,230video lottery terminals and 655 slot machines.
"I found it healthy to listen to the views and it will help us in the future,” said Opposition Senator Michael Dunkley who also appreciated the Premier setting up the presentation. “There are a lot of preconceived notions about gambling but there is a lot of information out there that people need to know."
The possibility of having casinos in Bermuda has been a divided issue even between folks in the same ruling party. Last year, MPs on both sides of the House voted against a bill that would have allowed cruise ships to operate their casinos in Bermuda's waters.
Government backbencher Wayne Perinchief, who voted against the bill, however, hinted at a change of heart in the House last week. He said studies show that when gaming is introduced to a jurisdiction, around two per cent of the population suffers as a result, adding: "If we are going to lose two out of 100 that can be remediated."
Still, there has not been universal consensus that casinos should be sought after by Bermuda. A Progressive Labour Party (PLP) legislator, who asked not be identified that it was doubtful the Canadian presentation would cause a big shift in the party's views.
"I think for those who are in favor of gambling they would look at her comments favorably and those who are against will look at them suspiciously. I don't see anybody changing their minds."
Former premier Alex Scott said he did not believe anything would sway people's opinions as well "It won't change the price of rice," he said. ‘how many ways can we see the issue come up and fail? It has failed the parliamentary test.
Although Bermuda has betting shops, where wagers attract a 20 per cent government tax, it has never had a casino.
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