Bermuda Alliance for Tourism (BAT) is to commission a study on the pros and cons of introducing casinos.

The decision comes two weeks after the keynote speaker at the Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting predicted casinos will be on the Island within five years.

"BAT has a fundamental responsibility to investigate this issue in an objective and non-biased manner," said Wayne Smith, the executive director of BAT, a joint private and public sector body.

"While there has been much discussion on the subject, not all the information surrounding gambling in Bermuda and its impact is accurate. As a responsible body, we must be proactive and take an unbiased look at the issue."

BAT co-chair Norman Mastalir, who is president of Bermuda Hotel Association, said: "We are currently looking at a few organisations that are impartial and can produce a neutral report for us based on the facts surrounding the issue.

"Additionally, the committee will invite submissions from a wide cross-section of the community to include in our report."

Accountant Lyall Hall, a partner with KPMG in Toronto, told the Chamber that based on the massive growth in casinos around the world, particularly in North America, Bermuda would have them within five years.

"I haven't come here to say gaming is good or bad for Bermuda, but I am prepared to make a prediction ? it will be here in five years," he told the meeting.

Chamber President Charles Gosling said his organisation does not have a position on gambling, but he believes it must be considered if Hamilton waterfront and Morgan's Point are to be redeveloped.

The Progressive Labour Party will go from having no position to initiating a nation-wide debate on gambling, said party spokesman Scott Simmons recently.

And the United Bermuda Party has said it does not believe gambling is a "silver bullet" but it is willing to consider casinos.