Political activist Jonathan Starling has called on Government to withdraw the Casino Gambling Act that was tabled on November 28.

Mr Starling, who has previously voiced his disappointment that Government did not follow through on the promised referendum, expressed his concern that the OBA, having aborted the referendum in favour of passing casino gambling as legislation, failed to honour its promise of widespread public consultation on the matter.

In a statement released today, Mr Starling said: “The Government should withdraw this Act and engage in a series of televised town hall consultations explaining the various aspects of the Act, section by section.

“To rush it through at this time and in this manner seems a cynical ploy by the Government — and it is not conducive to good governance,” he added.

“The Casino Gambling Act 2014 is a massive act — some 117 pages, not including annexes.

“And at the moment it is being rushed through parliament at a time when people are busy preparing for the holiday season, and while popular attention is being distracted by the America’s Cup announcement — as well as a developing scandal concerning airport redevelopment.”

He added: “Quite frankly, people do not have time to study such a massive act, let alone one written in legalese, in time to lobby their MPs appropriately concerning it.”