Launching a casino in Bermuda is a "win win win" idea in order to attract more visitors, according to Premier Ewart Brown.

He spoke out in support of the plan during a speech at Sandys Rotary Club last night, telling members: "Bermuda is at a critical stage in our development. How we approach this discussion on gaming will determine the future of our economy, our positioning in the increasingly competitive tourism marketplace and frankly whether we are serious about rebuilding tourism.

"Gaming by itself won't revitalise tourism but I see it as an added amenity; something that we must offer to attract more visitors to our shores."

His Government commissioned a local task force to examine the issue in February 2009. It came back with recommendations that some form of casino gaming be permitted in Bermuda.

It suggested a suitable site in the City of Hamilton should be recommended as a location for a privately owned and operated casino, which would be open to visitors and locals alike.

The task force also recommended that a ten percent gross revenue tax be levied on the casino and a social services "safety net" of psychologists and addiction counsellors be implemented to address negative side effects.

Recapping on the recommendations last night, Dr. Brown reminded Rotarians that the study indicated as many as 3,000 new jobs and up to $146 million dollars could be added to the economy through the move.

A green paper on the issue is due to be debated in Parliament when it resumes in May, and tomorrow is the deadline for submissions from the public.

However, a fellowship of more than 70 churches representing more than 5,000 worshippers came out to publicly oppose the plans yesterday, saying a casino would have negative consequences economically, socially and morally (see separate story.)

Speaking hours after that news broke, Dr. Brown acknowledged last night "Our people have many views, opinions and feelings on the subject of gaming and we want to ensure that every voice is heard, every fear is addressed and every criticism constructive or otherwise is weighed."

However, he urged "If Bermuda is to have any future as a player in the world's tourism economy, a mature conversation on gaming must occur. I am not one of those people who believe that gaming is a cure-all or a panacea for what ails our tourism industry, but I do believe that it has the potential to create jobs for Bermudians, create greater opportunities for local business and generate a new revenue stream for our economy." And he went on to warn:<\p>"We have a responsibility to examine opportunities for new revenue streams. The potential of gaming in this regard cannot be ignored and old arguments against its introduction must be tempered with the realities of the global economy."

Dr. Brown, who is also Minister for Tourism, said the casino industry has proven to be a catalyst for tourism development in other jurisdictions. He cited the example of Singapore, and also cited statistics from the U.S showing the advantages of casino developments in tourist locations.

"With these facts in hand, I believe that gaming is a win-win-win for Bermuda. It's a win for job creation. It's a win for tourism. It's a win for construction. It's a win for our tax base. And, it's a win for our economy," he said.