City of Hamilton councillors have come out in support of having cruise ships keep gambling tables open while in port.The issue was raised at a recent City meeting where councillors mulled a response to a Government request for input.Said Alderman John Harvey: “I think our message should be that we would welcome it.“I believe our merchants require it. We can be strict with the hours of operation for the casinos.”Hamilton Mayor Charles Gosling said the decision would ultimately rest with Government, and would have to be passed through Parliament.As such, shipboard gambling could not be expected until the end of the current season, or next year, at the earliest, he said.“Our first priority is to secure a cruise ship for Hamilton. There is a cruise ship which we’re trying to secure that doesn’t have a casino on board,” said Alderman Pamela Ferreira.Councillor Dennis Tucker responded: “I just want it to be clear. My feeling is that if a cruise ship comes in, and they want this available at agreement time, then they should be able to do it.”A proposal was passed to write a letter of approval to Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Derrick Burgess, with the caveat that Government would take final responsibility for deciding the hours during which shipboard gaming would be permitted.