A bill to ban the use, sale, supply and importation of gaming machines was put forward by Government yesterday.

But anti-gambling campaigners fear that because the ban on use will not come into affect until July 2004, after the next election, the move could be ignored by the incoming Government.

UBP MP Gary Pitman said he was unhappy the ban was not immediate.

He said: "There is a lot of bother that still can be done to individuals still suffering.

"I am surprised they could not have done it within the first five years. She (Premier Jennifer Smith) could make it effective before the next election.

"Are they sincere about getting rid of machines? There's the possibility the decision could be reversed. It seems to be suspect.'' However The Prohibition of Gaming Machines Bill 2001 does give Government the discretion to introduce the total ban on gaming machines earlier than the June 2004 date.

The bill applies to any machine where a game of chance takes cash or tokens.

Mr. Pitman admitted that his own party did not have a fixed position on the issue but he said he had been given free reign for his anti-gambling stance.

He said his constituents and others throughout the Island were in the grip of the gambling bug.

The week's wages, the rent money,family earnings and money borrowed from the mortgage is all gambled away,'' he said.

It's a problem but it's not talked about a lot.'' Gambling machines He claimed gamblers had highs similar to drug addicts when they were betting.

Pub owner Phil Talbot, of MR Onions in Hamilton, said the ban on machines would not affect his business that much but would further deter tourists.

He said: "It's in decline, there's nothing happening to bring anybody in.

They should have casinos.'' However Mr. Pitman said the machines had done nothing to encourage visitors because tourism had been in decline during the last few years that the gaming machines had been in place.

Rick Olson of The Beach bar on Front Street which has a large number of machines said: "I have mixed views.

"It's good they will be legal and legitimate for the next three years.

"It was a grey area before -- there was always the threat they might be illegal.''