Island Luck CEO Sebas Bastian announced that his company is making plans to offer shares to the public as the regulation of web shops nears.
"It is our company's vision to expand our operations and brand to a wider audience and use this opportunity to empower Bahamians," said Bastian in a statement to The Nassau Guardian.
"We feel that this industry that was created by Bahamians, patronized by Bahamians and revolutionize by Bahamians, belongs to Bahamians."
Bastian added, "Being one of the only industries not dominated by foreign interests, our long-term vision is to preserve and grow the industry for all Bahamians wishing to own a piece of the pie."
He said that with multiple U.S. states projected to come on stream for legal online gaming later this year, and Bahamians now being able to participate, the online gaming market will set the stage for the future of gaming and Island Luck plans to be a major player in the market.
"We are happy that we could empower Bahamians and expand their investment options beyond the current normal local offering in the capital markets," Bastian also said.
"If all goes as planned, Bahamians can look to see the share offering come to light in early 2015. As a successful businessman, I always would like to encourage fellow Bahamians to expand their investment appetite beyond traditional bank fixed deposits and become shareholders in emerging industries both here and aboard."
Island Luck is the first web shop to formally announce that it is planning a share offering.
It estimated to the government several years ago that it held 50 percent of the market share with 120 employees.
Bastian did not comment specifically on plans to regulate the industry.
But ahead of a gambling referendum last year, he and other web shop operators strongly pushed for a 'yes' vote, but failed to convince a majority of voters to support that position.
Despite the overwhelming 'no' vote in that referendum, the government is moving ahead with regulating the sector.
In January, Prime Minister Perry Christie told The Nassau Guardian he regretted holding the referendum.
At a press conference last week, Obie Wilchcombe, minister with responsibility for gaming, insisted that regulation will begin July 1 as he previously foreshadowed.
Minister of State for Legal Affairs Damian Gomez told The Nassau Guardian, however, that this date was unrealistic.
"I think that a lot of what has to be done, both from a legislative point of view and a practical position of training of personnel to do the types of activities that are required by regulators in the new environment, I think July 1 is unrealistic," said Gomez, adding that at least an additional six months would be needed to prepare for regulation.
The Nassau Guardian understands the government is pushing to present the new gaming regulations to Parliament by the end of the month.

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