Bermuda’s gaming laws could be relaxed following talks between Government and hoteliers, Premier Ewart Brown confirmed today.

Consultants the Innovation Group have been hired for a feasibility study which could lead to the introduction of casinos — seen by some as a potential silver bullet to save tourism — and a national lottery, either traditional or Internet-based.

The $300,000 study will explore economic and social impact aspects of gambling and consider potential revenue from tax.

Pro-gambling legislation risks incurring the wrath of campaigners including church groups who have opposed the controversial Niobe Corinthian casino ship and other forms of gambling including poker in bars.

The Premier told a press conference: “We have listened to the developers who are investing heavily into Bermuda by building new hotels and likewise to those existing hoteliers who are attempting to refresh and renew their hotel product. There is broad support for some form of gaming in Bermuda from their perspective but that is not enough to cause the Government to implement it.

“The aim of this feasibility study is to openly and fully address all aspects of this issue so that we make decisions based on facts. I expect that public consultation will be invited and that an assessment of the various positions on the issue of gaming for Bermuda will form a key part of the ultimate report done by the researcher.”

Dr. Brown was flanked by Norman Mastalir of the Fairmont Southampton and Ed Trippe of Tucker’s Point Club who both gave their support for the programme.

Two other hoteliers have told The Royal Gazette Government appears to have been pushing the proposal, but that it did not want to go public without being able to say hotels are fully behind it.

One hotel manager, who said he was contacted by Government over the idea, told this newspaper: “There’s a study that’s going to be done to find out if there’s enough interest in gambling in the hotels, and to see if it’s economically viable.

“There are some people that think that it’s the silver bullet to help Tourism. I’m not so sure it is. You have to do this type of thing to find out if it’s worthwhile.

“Twenty years ago people would have been absolutely against it. Ten years ago, I don’t know. Now? If I could see a study that it could maintain itself, I could say I’m in favour of it. Island-wide gambling is no longer the evil bad thing.

“My view is that Government wants to do this, but wants hotels to also. Their main concern is church groups.” Another manager said his hotel was not participating in the discussions as his owners preferred to stay neutral, but he backed the study.

He said: “Talks are going on. There’s an idea to study and see what’s out there — is it viable or not? Every avenue you can find to help promote Tourism is of value.”

Another said: “The process started three or four weeks ago and came from Government, but nobody was surprised.

“Nobody is opposed to looking at gaming, but what’s good for the economy and what’s right, and whether the customer is looking for it is another matter.”

Bermuda’s gambling laws have long been a subject of debate, with poker banned in bars but Crown and Anchor allowed at cricket matches.

Opponents claim gambling erodes family values, creates false hope for people, is addictive and incompatible with a Christian lifestyle.

In June, Cabinet approved a plan to allow cruise ships to open late-night casinos in port in an effort to fight off increasing competition from rival cruise destinations.

At the time, pro-gambling lawyer Llewellyn Peniston — who has represented Niobe Corinthian — predicted Government was dipping its toes in the water to see if there would be public support for hotels with casinos.

Former Premier Alex Scott, who introduced anti-gambling laws four years ago, has said he would not support such legislation.

For more details and reaction, see tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.