Consultants assessing whether casinos would be a success in Bermuda have dismissed suggestions they're merely going to rubber stamp a plan to relax anti-gambling laws.

New Orleans-based The Innovation Group is carrying out a $300,000 study into the impact gaming would have on the Island's struggling tourism industry and its potential tax benefits.

Critics have claimed the company's close involvement with the entertainment industry means Premier Ewart Brown and pro-gambling hoteliers thought it was a safe bet to back the proposal despite opposition from church groups.

However, Innovation Group bosses — who were in Bermuda this week as part of their study — insist they have no incentive to favour gaming because their fee is fixed regardless of their findings.

President Stephen Szapor told The Royal Gazette: "Our company has been around a long time. We anticipate being around a long time. If we were just rubber-stamping we would be out of business. We have no axe to grind."

Vice president Matthew Landry added that a recent survey by the group disappointed authorities in California by revealing the market was already saturated with certain types of gaming. On the Bermuda study, Mr. Landry said: "It's not 'pro versus anti'. It's 'is this going to boost tourism?'."

The Innovation Group will be assessing public opinion through a series of forums in March, while a discussion website has also been set up. It will present its findings to a task force of hoteliers and other local community members for further assessment.

The study, due for completion in late March or early April, will also weigh Bermuda's suitability as a centre of Internet gaming, which would mean people overseas having their on-line bets processed on the Island; and the pros and cons of a lottery.

It will also include the latest research on any social problems connected to gambling.

Mr. Szapor, Mr. Landry and Innovation Group managing director Paul Girvan have met with Police and fire officials over the past few days to discuss potential changes in regulations and practicalities connected to setting up casinos.

They would not reveal any conclusions they've drawn so far, but explained some of their processes and aims.

Mr. Szapor said: "We're really trying to evaluate all different forms of gaming: what the revenue might be; impacts on tourism generation; and also the costs of the infrastructure."

He said they were reviewing how gambling had worked in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and the States — and gaming supporters will be pleased to hear what he had to say.

"If you take a look at the Bahamas, a lot of the incentives put in place to develop Atlantis is a positive thing that's really helped that country," he said.

"In Colorado, the majority of the funding to promote tourism in the state comes from taxes. It's had a very positive impact on tourism. It's helped develop hotels."

He said hoteliers had expressed an interest in evaluating the situation but would not confirm any wanted to turn a casino in their own hotel.

Internet gaming, which has been worth millions to Antigua and Costa Rica but has also attracted criticism from anti-gambling authorities in the States, seems less straightforward.

"A lot of laws and regulations would have to be changed to regulate that," said Mr. Szapor. "It's a big business, but does it induce tourist visitors to Bermuda is going to be the big question."

On opposition from churches, Mr. Landry said: "It's out there, people have their own beliefs. We don't get involved in that side of the argument. We are providing the facts and the statistics."

He said research shows more Americans are now pro-gambling, adding: "It's become more of an acceptable form of entertainment."

• The Innovation Group is inviting residents to give their views on casinos, national lotteries, social issues and responsibilities connected to gambling on www.blogbermudagaming.com.