Muslims in Bermuda are calling for the community to rally against the relaxation of the Island's gambling laws.

They spoke out as American consultants continue their feasibility study into the pros and cons of gaming which could see the introduction of casinos and a national lottery.

A statement backed by Southampton's Masjid Quba, one of Bermuda's two mosques, says gambling is opposed on spiritual and socioeconomic grounds.

It adds a third reason of "pure common sense" — supporting Bermuda Sun columnist Larry Burchall's claim that gambling is "an incredibly stupid pastime".

"The Muslim community of Bermuda stands in solidarity with the people of conscience here on our Island home in our collective opposition against the legalisation of gambling," said the statement.

"We feel that our stance on this crucial issue is reflective of the majority of people in Bermuda whose conscience or personal experiences with the ills of gambling lead them to view the potential of its legalisation with great disdain.

"We would like to commend Premier Dr. Ewart Brown on his work to seek potential employment opportunities for the people of Bermuda during these tough economic times; however we feel that the risks outweigh the potential benefits.

Dr. Brown and hoteliers believe casinos could help save the struggling tourism industry and the Innovation Group is currently carrying out a $300,000 feasibility study, while a task force of Bermudians has been set up ready to assess its results.

Hoteliers, who are part-funding the survey and have been lobbying Government for years to change the gaming laws, have said casinos would be tasteful, like those in Atlantis on Bahamas' Paradise Island, and would not turn Bermuda into a gambling destination.

The Premier says the study is a scientific attempt to find out what the effects of gaming would be, before a decision can be made on the subject.

Supporters of gambling include former Premier Sir John Swan, who said casinos could help stop Hamilton turning into a ghost town, Chamber of Commerce boss Philip Barnett and entertainer Tony Brannon.

However Muslims joined the AME churches and Seventh-day Adventists in the 'no' camp.

"If you reject legalisation of this criminal and immoral activity, please do not remain quiet as our democratically elected Government 'tests the waters' on the issue of gambling," said the statement.

"We are reaching out to all individuals and organisations that have a stake in the future of Bermuda.

"To the members of the PLP, we encourage you to get in touch with your roots in which your political party truly reflected the common man's best interest.

"It is quite interesting that historically it has been the PLP who so vehemently oppose gambling and that the former Premier, Mr. Alex Scott introduced rigorous anti-gaming laws just four years ago.

"To the members of the UBP, we encourage you to reflect on the condemnation of gambling by (former UBP MP) Mr. Quinton Edness. Let us put aside our religious, political, or any other difference and unite together for a better Bermuda."

The Muslim group expressed concerns the task force includes hoteliers who would benefit from gambling, and asked why the Ministry of Social Rehabilitation or social scientists were not on board.

Dr. Brown has said the team represents a demographic cross-section of Bermuda who are committed to making decisions in the best interest of the country.

Explaining its opposition, it says gambling is forbidden by the Koran, erodes family values, is addictive and is against an Abrahamic lifestyle.

It points to a connection between gambling and organised crime, political corruption and prostitution.

"Economically, gambling is equally destructive for many as it tends to redistribute money from the working class to the wealthy," it stated.

"Considering the current situation where the working class in Bermuda is under increasing financial pressure to make ends meet, the introduction of something like this could have disastrous effects on its most vulnerable people.

"We also reject this proposal on behalf of the women and children in our society who would be disproportionately affected by gambling if it were to be introduced."