Two members of the gaming task force have reiterated that gambling would have been a much-needed boost to the Island's hotels.

And one member said he was disappointed politics appeared to get in the way and suggested a referendum on the issue would now be appropriate. Two weeks ago the House of Assembly gave a resounding 'no' to the Green Paper on Gaming, with many citing concerns over the social ills it would bring. Members of the Cabinet, including Deputy Leader Paula Cox, were among those who came out against Premier Ewart Brown's plan to bring an upscale casino to the Island.

Yesterday, two members of a task force who compiled a report that was part of the Green Paper, said they stood behind their belief it would have increased the number of visitors to the Island.

Lawyer Marc Daniels said when he was first asked to take part in the task force he had no views on gambling, but after speaking to experts and local business people he decided it would have a positive impact on the Country.

"I consider that revenues derived from gaming should be taxed and used to benefit the people of our Island," he said. "In these difficult economic times, where budgets have been severely cut, such as those for sports and education, gaming could provide the Government with an opportunity to raise desperately needed revenues. From a tourism perspective, I believe that gaming could attract more visitors."

During the Green Paper debate, many MPs argued that Bermuda had more pressing concerns to attend to — like gun violence — and now was not the right time to discuss gambling. But Mr. Daniels said no MP stated when the right time would come.

"I have heard it suggested that some of the MPs objected to gaming as it is was a motion brought by the Honourable Premier and that they sought to defeat it because he wasn't the right 'messenger'," he claimed. "If this is true, such a position deeply concerns me as the opportunity should not be limited to the vision of one man, but should be focused on the greater benefit which the community may ultimately receive."

During the debate Mr. Daniels said many MPs focused on emotional arguments, such as addiction and religion, rather than examining the statistics presented. The report estimated that opening one casino in Hamilton would generate $83 million in Government revenue a year, while allowing one in large hotels would mean Government could be looking at reaping $130 million in revenue annually.

And he said MPs failed to discuss ways in which a casino could be structured to allow Bermudian ownership, similar to those in Florida where the Native American Indian Tribes are the direct beneficiaries of gaming. "The statistical data and analysis did not appear to be presented and the same emotional arguments became apparent," he said. "Therefore, I do not consider that the people were offered a balanced debate.

"I therefore consider that the people of Bermuda should seek out the information available to them on the subject of gaming and decide the issue by way of referendum as was raised by various Members of Parliament from across both isles of the floor."

Norman Mastalir, managing director of Fairmont Hotels Bermuda who was also on the task force, reiterated his view that gambling would help Bermuda's ailing hotels.

On behalf of Bermuda hoteliers he said: "The House of Assembly debate on gaming was rigorous, but nonetheless one that was thoroughly welcomed by Bermuda hoteliers.

"For some time, we have sought serious discussion about the introduction of controlled gaming as a way to provide Bermuda's visitors with a much-needed entertainment alternative. We continue to believe that gaming would sharpen the Island's competitiveness as a tourism destination."

Looking forward he said hoteliers will continue to look for ways to help the industry, adding: "At this time, Bermuda hoteliers will continue to work on numerous initiatives aimed at revitalising our industry. We look forward to continuing our dialogue with the people of Bermuda about ways to make our tourism industry more competitive and, ultimately, sustainable."