Premier Ewart Brown's cruise ship gaming bill will be deferred until the next Parliamentary session, according to reports.

Today marks the last sitting of MPs in the House of Assembly and the last chance for the Premier to resurrect the bill. Government Whip Lovitta Foggo however, last night confirmed there have been no directions to PLP MPs. Asked whether she had been instructed on the bill, she said: "No. As far as I know on the Government side it is just the motion on gangs tomorrow."

The motion, put forward by Dr. Brown reads: "That this Honourable House take note of the existence of gangs in Bermuda and of the need for deliberate action to address the causes and effects of such gangs".

Added Ms Foggo: "I don't know what will happen to the bill, but I guess it will be carried over."

If passed, the Prohibition of Gaming Machines Amendment Act 2009 would allow ships to open casinos in port between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. In March, Dr. Brown had to withdraw the bill in the committee stage as it faced potential defeat, with rebel Progressive Labour Party MPs ready to join the Opposition in a conscience vote.

The House of Assembly approved the first nine clauses but the Premier then said: "In light of issues raised I'm going to ask the House to rise and report (progress)."

That followed arguments by Shadow Justice Minister Mark Pettingill, who said the bill was against the Bermuda Constitution as it discriminated against people on the grounds of 'place of origin'.

He said the bill would allow cruise ship passengers in Bermuda to gamble in dock, but not Bermudians themselves to gamble on land. During the debate, Government MPs Alex Scott, Wayne Perinchief and Patrice Minors joined Opposition MPs in speaking out against the Act. PLP MPs who were absent included Dennis Lister and Ashfield DeVent.

Questioned on details of the bill later, Dr. Brown's press secretary Glenn Jones said current agreements with cruise line partners would stand. Since the House of Assembly has reconvened however, debate on the bill has been carried over. If it is not resurrected today, the Premier will have to wait until November.

Those in support of the gaming bill say it will enhance Bermuda's ability to attract cruise ships. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce are among those who have officially expressed their support.

Those against it however, argue it will divert passenger spending away from shops, bars and restaurants. They also claim it is unconstitutional as it discriminates against establishments on-Island which would also like to offer gambling.

The Royal Gazette asked Mr. Jones last night what action the Premier will take next, his reasons for deferring the bill and whether this will impact any cruise ship negotiations.

We received no response at the time of going to press.