Former Premier and PLP backbencher Alex Scott has said that he is concerned that the Green Paper on Gaming released by Government last week is "selling" the idea of gambling, rather than educating the public on the subject.

Provisions in the Green Paper for additional Police and social workers to deal with a potential rise in crime and addiction associated with gambling should make Bermudians "cautious" about the legislation, said Mr. Scott.

"The provisions for more Police and social workers show that there are events that accompany gambling and Government is anticipating them."

Citing problems with corruption in the famous gambling centre of Atlantic City, New Jersey, Mr. Scott said: "A useful tool would be an anti-corruption legislation".

This type of legislation would dissuade any potential "favours" or corruption between government and those who would capitalise on gambling – if it were to be introduced in Bermuda he said.

He added: "Anti-corruption legislation could allow the community to deal with any questions about corruption."

Mr. Scott, who opposes introducing gambling in Bermuda, has said in the past that he believes that most Bermudians do not support the idea and that Bermuda should not waste time with it.

A recent Royal Gazette poll completed by Research.bm showed that forty-seven percent of people are against changing gaming laws to allow initiatives like casinos.

"With all the legislation that has come into Bermuda in the past, we have never had to make provisions for more Police.

"Those of us who are cautious about gambling, including churches, will have to be very alert in making sure that we put out an alternate view.

"I think anyone who has a perspective of how gaming has affected some communities understands what we mean."