The Gaming Bill will not be debated and passed in Parliament this year, it appears. As our representatives wrap up their matters for 2013, the bill is not their focus of attention.
The Gaming Bill was tabled in the House of Assembly in October and the hotel industry expected it to be debated and passed quickly. However, members of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) caucus have expressed concerns over the proposed law giving foreign casino operators the authority to engage in Internet gaming while the local web shop industry remains illegal.
As the government continues to delay debate on the Gaming Bill, Robert Sands, senior vice-president of administration and external affairs for Baha Mar, has argued that the resort is losing precious time to promote the new legislative regime and to take advantage of the competitive advantages it will bring to The Bahamas.
Sands said the "time is now" to debate and pass the bill. Baha Mar is scheduled to open in December 2014.
"We are disappointed that it has been delayed because what in fact it does is delay the positioning of The Bahamas as a globally competitive gaming tourism destination," said Sands to The Nassau Guardian this week.
"It's important we begin to get this positive message out. Any delay also delays the ability for existing gaming operators to drive incremental tourism revenues and to increase the tax base and tourism growth.
"We all know this 2013 Gaming Bill is geared to put The Bahamas on a level playing field with the rest of the world's biggest and most profitable tourism destinations."
The Christie administration is giving its backbenchers the opportunity to voice their concerns internally over the controversial bill, we understand. It is unclear if this process will lead to changes in the legislation.
Last month, Dr. Bernard Nottage, leader of government business in the House, said debate on the legislation would likely begin next year. Atlantis is also waiting on the new legislation.
Bahamians want to see Baha Mar and Atlantis succeed. With an unemployment rate of 16.2 percent, growth at the major resorts could bring needed employment. It is unclear if the disquiet in the PLP's caucus is large enough to prevent the passage of the law as it is currently drafted.
Prime Minister Perry Christie will have to use his experience as a politician and legislator to move this process forward. He likely is aware of the serious concerns of the major hotels over the delay. They are already making investments based on the proposed changes in the gaming laws.
The PLP leader will ultimately have to make a choice that angers someone. If he forces through the bill with a bare majority, the opponents in his caucus and those who view the bill as discriminatory will be upset. If he takes out the discriminatory aspects of our gaming laws and allows Bahamians full participation in the sector, the church and his conservative members will be upset.
Leaving the bill indefinitely in limbo is unwise. Most seem to support expanding the sector to create jobs. Politically speaking, the prime minister just needs to decide if he is comfortable justifying the discriminatory aspects of our gaming laws. If he is and he has the votes to pass the bill, then he should force it through.
None of our prime ministers have appeared deeply bothered regarding discrimination and gaming in The Bahamas. Christie pushing to make this bill law would not change the status quo.

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