Proposed Amendments Could Allow Casino Gambling

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Gaming Board of The Bahamas looking to make amendments to gaming regulations. 

Among those amendments include the possibility of Bahamians being allowed to gamble in casinos and adjusting the law to allow for members of cabinet or their families to hold gaming licenses. 

In a push to modernize the gaming industry, the Legislative Reform Committee is recommending amendments to the gaming legislation. 

Among them includes the law which prohibits Bahamians from gambling in casinos with Gaming Board Member Ryan Brown calling it discriminatory. 

Similarly, tourists cannot gamble in number houses.

Gaming Board Chairman Dr. Daniel Johnson says the proposed regulations were presented to all stakeholders but that’s not the only amendment with proposed adjustments.

If not deleted, it is proposed that it will be amended to remove a member of cabinet from the list of people who are disqualified or if the board determines there is no conflict of interest. 

Casino gaming is legal in The Bahamas for non-residents 18 years and older. 

Section 50 of the Lotteries and Gaming Act prohibits from gambling in casinos for all persons who are work permits holders, permanent residents, ordinary residents of The Bahamas, and their spouses. 

We put the question to Acting Prime Minister and Minister responsible Chester Cooper who stressed these are only proposals.