Will the Premier get a straight flush or will there be a joker in the pack?

There is everything to play for say MPs, as the House of Assembly dedicates today's sitting to the issue of gaming.

This reconvening of Parliament is set for a fiery start after the Easter break, as MPs voice their views on whether legalised gambling is a 'win-win' for Bermuda.

As talkshows heat up and petitions flare across the country, MPs will debate the controversial Green Paper on Gaming.

Commissioned by Government and the Bermuda Hotel Association, this study, by consultants The Innovation Group, recommends a casino be built in Hamilton, open to visitors and Bermudians alike.

While the feasibility study suggests legalised gambling could create 3,000 jobs and bring a $146 million jackpot to the economy, church groups are in uproar, saying gaming will lead to the moral and social disintegration of Bermuda.

Last night a petition which was started just three days ago by the 'United for Change' inter-faith coalition of 60 churches, had gained 3,700 signatures.

UFC spokesman Pastor Gary Simons said that number was expected to rise in excess of 4,000 as further paper copies were collected from church halls across the Island.

"We believe Government has to represent the people, so it's important for us to make our views known," he said.

"It's good for the people of Bermuda who are concerned about it to begin to come together, as I think there are many people against gaming who haven't found a way to express their opposition."

Reverend Simons said the 3,700 signatures will be delivered to Dr. Brown this morning, but the petition will continue throughout May.

Meeting with UFC representatives yesterday, Dr. Brown said: "My door is always open for the Church and their leadership.

"The faith-based community represents a significant and important segment of our community and I want them to understand that I have nothing but respect for them and the contribution they make to Bermuda."

Government MPs meanwhile, said the church lobby should not be underestimated.

Backbencher Wayne Perinchief said their influence could lead to many MPs "sitting on the fence" today as they try to tread a middle-line, so as not to upset constituents.

He said: "There are up to 60 ministers in opposition, so I would expect any sensible politician would choose their words carefully. "I think there will be a lot of fence-sitting among Government MPs.

"On an issue like this, maybe the Government would be advised to go to a referendum, because the shades of opinion are so broad and far-reaching.

"Gaming will impact the community at large in such a significant way, that you may want to consider a referendum on this issue."

Although today's session is limited to a discussion on the Green Paper, with no vote, each Member of Parliament will have a chance to speak.

Opposition parties are showing different hands on the issue.

The UBP is opposed to gaming and has called for a national referendum. Meanwhile the Bermuda Democratic Alliance this week expressed its conditional support, saying it wants any proceeds destined for Government to be ring-fenced, "to ensure transparency".

Several Government MPs and backbenchers have also publically declared their opposition to gaming.

Former Premier Alex Scott said last night: "I'm against gaming. Tomorrow I think it's going to be a robust exchange. I have a sense that those who are questioning Government or who are against Government will probably be in the majority."

The Government backbencher said: "I think there's quite a lot of promoting and selling of the Motion by the proponents but we will have to wait and see."

Mr. Scott said he is "disappointed' by the Green Paper. "A Green Paper should stimulate discussion, but not in a one-handed manner like this."

Backbencher Terry Lister meanwhile, said: "I think it's important that each Member gets a chance to speak, and I expect this debate will go well into the night."

Mr. Lister said although he is against gaming he will be absent from the House today due to attending his daughter Monique's graduation from the University of Michigan Law School.

"This is only round one. There will be more rounds," he said. "So I will be there to participate next time.

"I do not support gaming at all. I believe with the number of challenges in the community today, this issue should be very much at the back of the room.

"I can't see why anyone wants to be pursuing this at this time," he said.

"I'm very disappointed it's on the national agenda when we are having young men being killed on the streets."

Fellow backbencher Randy Horton meanwhile was playing his cards close to his chest. Asked for his position on the Green Paper, he said: "You will find that out tomorrow when I speak. I will be speaking at length on the issue.

"I am looking forward to all MPs making their contribution. I think it will be a very healthy debate."

UBP Leader Kim Swan however, said gaming should not be debated at all when another fatal shooting has taken place this week, with the murder of George Lynch.

"It's very awkward that we find ourselves debating gaming tomorrow when we are in the midst of an outbreak of gang violence," he said.

"It is with a heavy heart we will debate the gaming issue. I honestly feel we should not be discussing it at all, as there are far more pressing issues."