Former Premier Alex Scott has said the introduction of gaming could expose Government to corruption.

On the eve of the House debating a law to relaxing anti-gambling legislation on cruise ships, Mr. Scott said gambling had tainted Atlantic City and some of the Caribbean islands.

Mr Scott said: "I am made to understand every mayor who has come into office in Atlantic City during gaming has run afoul of the law and protocol they have either been accused of corruption or convicted. Gaming can take its toll on good governance. There may be controls put in place but this would be one of the first places that escaped the all-corrupting influence of the gaming industry.

"There have been islands to the south which have tried it and not succeeded at it. It's not a panacea, it doesn't bring wealth and success automatically."

The issue is likely to go to a free vote rather than a party vote and one Government source said feelings on the bill were pretty mixed on the Progressive Labour Party side. "Not everyone is for it. I know a few members of the Government side are opposed to it."

Pressure from the church is said to be behind some of the discontent.

Religious groups including the AME Church, Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Muslim community of Bermuda have all recently stated their opposition to gambling. Under the Prohibition of Gaming Machines Amendment Bill 2009, to be debated today, some passenger ships will be exempt from laws banning gaming machines.

Last summer Premier Ewart Brown announced Cabinet had approved a plan to allow late-night casinos in port to try to fight off increasing competition from rival cruise destinations.

Government backbencher Zane DeSilva said he would support the bill. He said: "We need to keep up with the competition."

Opposition leader Kim Swan said the United Bermuda Party has serious concerns about the proposed amendment.

"In our view, it undercuts and pre-judges the Gaming Commission which is currently gathering views and information for a recommendation on gambling in Bermuda.

"It raises questions on discrimination in that it will allow a commercial practice alongside Front Street while established businesses just a few yards away are prevented from doing the same thing."

Opposition Deputy Leader Trevor Moniz said Dr. Brown had not made the case for why the bill should be passed.

He said research had showed other jurisdictions shut down casinos on cruise ships when they were in port.

While Government and the corporations might make money from the cruise ships Mr. Moniz predicted passengers would be further tempted to stay on board if gambling was allowed.

Gaming machines were outlawed by the PLP in 2004 on land so he wondered what the logic was in making them legal in the docks. "What is the local business person getting out of it?" said Mr. Moniz. "While you are gambling they might give you a free drink and free food."

That point was also taken up by PLP MP Ashfield DeVent who said with people's disposable income being limited during a recession, passengers had one more temptation to spend their few dollars on board rather than onshore.

And Mr. DeVent said constituents had expressed opposition to the bill and he was "leaning towards not supporting it".

He added: "Some people view it as possibly the first step to introducing gaming into this Country."

American consultants The Innovation Group are currently carrying out a feasibility study into the idea of relaxing Bermuda's anti-gambling legislation.