Although Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin said yesterday she does not personally support gambling, she supports the Gaming Bill 2014.
"Those who expect me to sit this one out or catch a flight, will be sorely disappointed," said Griffin in the House of Assembly to laughter from the opposition.
She added, "Mr. Speaker, personally I do not support or condone gambling in any form for spiritual, moral and social reasons.
"It is clear, however, that a government faced with the set of circumstances we are up against must make a hard decision.
"Mr. Speaker, the Christie administration is not afraid to make the hard decisions."
Although he did not articulate clearly his support for the bill, South Andros MP Picewell Forbes said on Wednesday evening that he too does not personally support gambling, but acknowledged that sometimes governments must make difficult choices.
The government tabled the Gaming Bill 2014 and accompanying legislation in the House of Assembly last week.
Several religious leaders have condemned the government's decision to regulate the web shop industry.
The pastors pointed out that the majority of Bahamians who voted in a gambling referendum last January voted no on the issue. The opposition has said it will not support the Gaming Bill 2014 for that same reason.
Griffin said she had mixed emotions on the bill.
"It is only after much soul searching, prayers and consultations with spiritual advisors that I have taken a deep look at where we are as a country and what we need to do to move forward," she said.
She said she hopes one day people will see the wisdom in what the government is doing in this process.
"With regard to the referendum taken last January, the opposition has taken the view that they have a good political kicking ball there and perhaps rightfully so, that is what we expect from them," she said.
"I don't think any of us on this side would have wanted the turn of events as they played out.
"But we all need to understand and appreciate that hard decision must be made in the best interest of building an economy and creating an environment of growth to meet the needs of its people."

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