Bermuda's Task Force on Gaming has called the opposition to gambling on the Island a "myth" and argued casinos necessary to save the Island's economy.

The Task Force on Gaming, was commissioned by Premier Ewart Brown in February last year, and was comprised of Wendell Hollis, Edward Trippe, Norman Mastalir, Deena Harvey and Marc Daniels.

In a Green Paper produced in the House of Assembly recently, the Task Force presented data from consultants, The Innovation Group and made recommendations. This week Stephen Szapor, President of The Innovation Group, is on the Island to address any further inquiries following the Green Paper's release and to offer presentations.

But while the Innovation Group was tasked with data collection, the Bermuda-based group was tasked with recommendations.

In their report, the Task Force argued that the economic downturn and the lack of opposition the gaming were reasons for the introduction of gambling to the Island.

The study said: "We had been led to believe and expected we would have received far more objection and opposition to gaming for Bermuda than we have actually received.

"First and foremost we now believe that the previously perceived public opposition to gaming in Bermuda was largely a myth.

"We believe that in recent years that there has been a relaxation in the public's attitudes towards gaming generally."

It then adds: "There is no question that Bermuda needs to attract hotel developers to Bermuda and to enable those developers who are already here to proceed with their development plans at the earliest opportunity.

"In order to do so, such developers need the funding necessary to proceed.

"We have been persuaded that the financial institutions that will provide such financing look to casino gaming as an essential component for the business model of a 21st century resort development."

The Gaming Task Force then recommends a casino located in Hamilton along the waterfront as soon as the regulator framework can be put in place.

Bermuda's larger hotels both existing and to come could apply for licenses for casinos.

Other suggestions to Government include ensuring that the casino be privately owned and operated, no restriction on Bermudian participation and opening hours would reflect existing nightclub liquor licensing laws.

A ten percent tax on revenue would be levied and advanced social services would ba adapted to address the negative impacts.

Though the gaming issue has hit some bumps along the way, namely Premier Ewart Brown's attempt to sneak legislation through the House in July last year.

After anti-gaming MPs returned to the House, they defeated the bill 18 to 11.

Various groups, including many churches, have spoken in the past about their opposition the gambling in Bermuda because of the social problems it would attract.

The Task Force, however, argued that the benefits of gaming would far outweigh any negatives that might accompany it.

For the full report visit www.gov.bm.