Two consultants to web shops have different opinions on who should be allowed to gamble in web shops and casinos in a regulated environment.
While insisting that he is against discrimination, Paul Major said yesterday Bahamians should not be allowed to take part in Internet gaming at local casinos.
However, Major said Bahamians should be able to wager on blackjack or other traditional games in casinos.
He also said foreigners should not be allowed to gamble in web shops.
Major said he is concerned about the amount of money that could leave the country as a result of Bahamians playing in foreign-owned casinos. He said the profits would be repatriated.
But Philip Galanis said despite the concern regarding foreign reserves, the status quo should not be allowed to remain.
"I understand the points that Paul Major is making in respect to the foreign reserves and it's certainly one that should be taken into account," said Galanis in an interview with The Nassau Guardian.
"I believe all forms of discrimination from gaming in The Bahamas should end and that Bahamians should be allowed to gamble in casinos if they wish.
"Full stop. I do not believe that this will create a problem for our foreign reserves because I do not believe that a lot of Bahamians will take advantage of this opportunity."
In a separate interview, Major also said if casinos offer the same brand of gaming as web shops, it would unfairly impact web shops.
"They have unlimited capital and can create plush environments for gamblers," he said.
"I think they need to ring fence local gaming where Bahamians play and foreigners don't play, and I think they need to ring fence casinos where foreigners play and Bahamians don't."
The government is considering lifting the ban on Bahamians gambling in local casinos, The Nassau Guardian understands.
This is being considered as part of the reform of the gaming industry. The proposed gaming bill would allow local casino operators to facilitate online and mobile gambling.
But the government is facing some opposition from some web shop bosses who reportedly want a monopoly on Bahamians gambling in their establishments.
Major said as much as he hates to advocate for forms of discrimination, in this case it is necessary.
"We have to protect the foreign reserves and we have to protect these people's businesses.
"I think it's unfair that they built these businesses from their bootstraps and invested millions and are now faced with this," he said.
"The casinos probably won't make any additional hires either.
"I want to make it clear, I said I believe Bahamians should go and play in casinos in moderation...I don't think the government should tell me I can't play blackjack or Russian roulette and foreigners can. We look backward."
Minister with responsibility for gaming Obie Wilchcombe has said he is pushing to have web shops regulated by July 1.
However, Minister of State of Legal Services Damian Gomez said on Friday the July 1 date is unrealistic. He said December 31, is a more realistic date.
The government could get between $60 million and $70 million a year in web shop taxes if it is applied at a rate of 15 percent on the sector's gross profits and customer winning, Major said previously.

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