Premier Alex Scott singled out The Royal Gazette's position on gambling in his statements on the ban on gaming machines on Friday saying this newspaper had “let its hair down” on the issue.

What that means is anyone's guess, but this newspaper's editorial position has been clear and unchanged for a decade now.

First, this newspaper believes that the side effects of gambling outweigh the benefits. The problems caused by gambling addiction and the likelihood of increases in crime outweigh the possible - and these are easily overstated - economic benefits of casino gambling.

Second, if any form of gambling was to be introduced, this newspaper would support a national lottery with the proceeds going to good causes. This is the least socially destructive form of gaming, it is easily regulated and the advantages for charities, sports organisations and the like are clear.

That is this newspaper's position. It is clear, and barring the presentation of evidence of the benefits of gambling, it is unlikely to change.

On that basis, this newspaper supports in principle the ban on gaming machines.

However, the muddle over the gaming machine legislation, which is now stumbling through Parliament, nicely demonstrates the complexities of the modern gambling industry and the challenges of regulating and policing it.

That is why this newspaper has been calling for a commission of inquiry on the issue ever since the ban on gaming machines was first announced.

Years have since passed during which time the Government has done nothing to advance the debate or to explain and justify its full position on the issue.

Based on Mr. Scott's comments on Friday, he sees gambling as an evil that needs to be banned. But Mr. Scott is venturing into dangerous territory when he defends bingo, Crown and Anchor and betting on horse races - not to mention the football pools - as traditional Bermuda pastimes which are less dangerous than gambling machines.

Certainly Crown and Anchor, if only because it can only be played on certain days of the year, is less dangerous, but gambling on horses can be just as destructive as gaming machines.

And the Government's position on the issue of Internet gambling, either in the home or in public, is less than reassuring. Basically, Mr. Scott has admitted that Government will simply keep trying to block loopholes as they arise.

To be sure, it is not possible to predict all technological changes. But it should be possible to look intelligently at what the future is likely to hold and how Bermuda can best decide the future of gaming.

And that is precisely what a commission should have done by now - and still could.