A casino in Bermuda would be a turn-off to more than half the Island's visitors, according to a Department of Tourism study.

And 65 percent of people quizzed in the exit survey said that if there was a casino in Bermuda they would not go there to have a flutter.

An Air Arrivals Flash Report, released along with tourism statistics on Monday, stated: "Two-thirds of visitors indicate that if a casino was available in Bermuda, they would definitely not (41 percent) or probably not (24 percent) visit the site to gamble.

"More than half consider a casino would make Bermuda less appealing to them as a vacation destination."

The release of the figures comes around a month after Premier and Tourism Minister Ewart Brown announced a $300,000 feasibility study into relaxing Bermuda's gambling laws — seen by some as a potential silver bullet to save tourism.

Yesterday, the Premier responded to the Flash Report: "All science on this subject is welcome, including statistical analysis. That is exactly why we jointly commissioned a feasibility study."

Shadow Tourism Minister Michael Dunkley said: "The finding indicates that gambling may not be the panacea many believe it to be.

"If the Government is determined to pursue this activity — and there is no harm in exploring the possibilities — it clearly needs to conduct the most careful analysis of what the market wants.

"It is our view that the real problem behind the pro-gambling lobby is the lack of nightlife for our visitors.

"If the Government is truly serious about restoring tourism, it should be doing all it can to encourage the return of live music and entertainment that once filled our hotels, pubs and restaurants."

The survey involved 721 visitors from July to September, and the Flash Report cautions that the sample size is small.

Third quarter tourism statistics released on Monday showed visitor arrivals were 22 percent down on last year, while the average guest also spent less while on the Island.

Dr. Brown said the main factors were a sharp decline in cruise ship visits and the global economic downturn.

Air arrivals remained virtually unchanged, dropping slightly from 97,875 to 97,477.

Of these, the number of business visitors increased from 10,599 to 13,828; while those here on vacation slumped from 68,144 to 63,284.

These numbers and the Government's decision to restructure the New York Office last summer as well as failing to produce an action plan, show a disconnect added Mr. Dunkley.

The only way to resolve it, added Mr. Dunkley was to appoint a full-time Minister of Tourism and to sack the current one — the Premier.

He added: "We are encouraged that the Premier has taken our cue with the comment that the Government is now "standing shoulder to shoulder" with its industry partners. We support such teamwork but there is no evidence yet that that is what is happening.

"In the absence of a business-driven Tourism Authority, Bermuda needs a new full-time tourism minister with the energy, drive and total focus to get "heads into beds".

"We are slipping backwards. It has been happening all year and the Minister has failed to take steps to stop it. A change at the top can help stop the bleeding."