But any debate or study should be conducted within the overall context of the legalisation of gambling.

The current situation, in which existing video gaming machines can still operate, but no new machines can be imported can only be viewed as a temporary measure. A general policy on gambling is desperately needed.

That policy has to consider all aspects of gaming in addition to a lottery, including bingo, Crown and Anchor, Internet gambling, private card games, horse racing, betting on overseas sports events and the football pools, video gaming machines and whether Bermuda should have a casino.

This newspaper has generally opposed legalised gambling. The benefits of casino gambling -- which may draw visitors to the Island -- must be weighed against how much money actually leaves the Island and how much returns to the casino operator.

Any such discussion must also decide to what extent gambling is seen as a form of entertainment. There may be nothing wrong with having a flutter; the social damage caused by serious gambling addiction is immeasurable. The discussion would also need to determine if the whole question is moot because of the spread of online gambling. Government must decide if this form of gambling can be regulated.

It seems reasonable to assume that people gamble for two or three reasons.

They may wish to have a little fun, they may wish to test their skill or they may want to get rich quick.

Against those factors it is essential to measure the damage that can be done to the community. For every lucky winner, there will be people who lose money, including family fortunes and rent and grocery money. Money lost to Internet gambling and international lotteries is money lost to the community forever.

If people are determined to give their money away in the hope of striking it rich, then Government has the opportunity to take some of that money and put it into worthy causes.

Mr. Butler's idea of putting lottery proceeds towards scholarships is just such a cause. There are plenty of others, and in a society which depends so much on charitable work, this notion would be a benefit to the community while satisfying the urge of people to get something essentially for nothing.

LOOK, THEN LEAP EDT Look, then leap United Bermuda Party MP Cole Simons must be rueing his words today.

Reacting to Government's announcement on Friday that it will be bringing in 20 Caribbean Police officers to the Island on secondment, he asked why former Assistant Commissioner Wayne Perinchief, now a Government MP, had not been consulted.

Mr. Perinchief had earlier criticised Government for looking to Jamaica for officers, but said in yesterday's Royal Gazette that he had no difficulty with Government's plans, indicating that he had indeed been consulted.

Mr. Simons and his colleagues in Opposition would do well to remember the trial lawyer's axiom that you only ask a question when you already know the answer.