Gaming and gambling have long harboured a questionable position in Bermuda. Bingo is allowed in churches and Cup Match brings in the thrill of Crown and Anchor.

The issue of gaming on the Island has a contentious history. Here is the latest.

¦ 2001: Government passes the Prohibition of Gaming Machines Act. Three hundred gaming machines on the Island became illegal in July 2004.

¦ 2004: Plans are revealed for the introduction of a gaming ship, Niobe Corinthian.

¦ 2006: The Niobe Corinthian arrives on the Island and is raided by the Police and Customs officers. Captain Fermin Alfonso Reyes, of Panama, and manager George Kezas, of St. George's, are accused of illegally importing 100 gaming machines. A court case ensues. Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo finds both men guilty. They appeal their sentences.

¦ 2009: Premier Ewart Brown appoints a task force to consider whether Bermuda should allow gaming. Lawyer Wendell Hollis is named chairman of the group. The body is charged with making recommendations to Cabinet based on the results of a $300,000 feasibility study by New Orleans-based The Innovation Group.

¦ July 2009: Dr. Brown sparks anger by attempting to push pro-gaming legislation through the House of Assembly behind the backs of several anti-gaming Progressive Labour Party MPs. The move was defeated by a vote of 18 to 11. Party colleagues, including former Premier Alex Scott, got wind of the tactic and dashed into the House to vote. The Bill would have allowed cruise ships to run casinos while in port.

¦ October 2009: A survey of Bermudian residents by Research.bm found 47 percent of people against changing the laws to allow initiatives like casinos, with just 34 percent in favour.