A task force has been set up to consider whether gambling should be allowed in Bermuda, Premier Ewart Brown announced today.

The group — chaired by lawyer Wendell Hollis — will be asked to make recommendations to Cabinet based on the results of a $300,000 feasibility study on gaming, which are due before the end of March.

Other group members include Fairmont Southampton manager director Norman Mastalir, Tucker’s Point Club CEO Ed Trippe, accountant Deena Harvey and lawyer Marc Daniels.

Dr. Brown told a press conference: “I think we have developed a team that represents a demographic cross-section of Bermuda and is made up of serious thinkers committed to making decisions that they sincerely believe are in the best interest of the country.”

Mr. Hollis said the task force would take an objective look at the issues based on the scientific results of the study. “I call myself gaming neutral,” he said. “I have no personal interest in it; I equally have nothing against it.”

The feasibility study, being conducted by the Innovation Group, is looking at the pros and cons of casinos; a traditional or Internet-based lottery; gaming legislation; revenue from tax; and the economic and social impacts of gambling. Public meetings on the topic, facilitated by the task force, will be held shortly.

See tomorrow’s edition of The Royal Gazette for the full story.