The president of the company behind a report on casinos in Bermuda has dispelled views that violent crime and gaming are linked.

Stephen Szapor of New-Orleans based Innovation Group, is currently on the Island to offer presentations on the $300,000 report.

The document became part of a Green Paper presented to the House of Assembly which will ultimately shape the gaming debate in Bermuda.

Yesterday Mr. Szapor emphasised that his company only offered analysis on what would be the best option "if" gaming became legal here.

"We looked at it as if it was introduced what form would make the most sense to induce tourism. We did address in the report particular social issues we think do at times get blown out of proportion.

"People say crime, crime, crime. We have studied this for other jurisdictions but we failed to find empirical evidence of violent crimes and casinos.

"Yes, there's some petty thefts and DUIs that go along with it, but very little with violent crimes. Jurisdictions have gotten pretty smart and make sure regulations and security are in place.

"It's gone a long way to minimise those impacts."

The Innovation Group also indicate that problems could be thwarted if Government hired a psychologist, three certified gambling counsellors, two addiction counsellors and a social worker. It also recommended hiring additional Police and introducing a counselling hot line.

The report was commissioned by Premier Ewart Brown in October 2008.

Public panels and discussions followed. Last February a Bermuda-based Task Force was organised to help with the study and to make recommendations to Government.

The Innovation Group submitted their report to the Task Force in June. They presented their recommendations to Dr. Brown the following month.

The Green Paper based on those reports will be brought to the House of Assembly as legislation in July.

Gaming and the formalisation of gambling have long been contentious issues in Bermuda. Multiple groups have raised concerns about social ills.

Also highlighted is the potential problem of finding space for those employed by the casino.

"People were able to come (to the public meetings) and express their views," Mr. Szapor said. "They were overwhelmingly positive.

"We are objective and we don't get into the moral side of the argument. We were providing the statistics and the data.

"The local population can be used for many jobs as well as day-to-day. We would have to import some top-line management but over time these managerial roles could be filled by Bermudians."