bradleyB
10-21-02, - 11:43 PM
PARLIAMENT SESSION
MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS, UTILITIES & BAHAMASAIR
BRADLEY B. ROBERTS, MP
TOPIC: (A BILL FOR AN ACT TO AMEND THE LOTTERY & GAMING ACT
TO PROVIDE FOR PARAMUTUEL WAGERINGIN THE BAHAMAS)
OCTOBER 16, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of the great constituency of Bain & Grants Town to lend my support to amend the Lotteries and Gaming Act to provide for Off Track Betting in the Bahamian Casinos. Mr. Speaker, it was my privilege to serve as Chairman of the Gaming Board for some five months in 1992 when the late Sir Lynden Pindling held the ministerial portfolio for the Gaming Board. My taking the reigns of the Gaming Board came at the behest of our now Prime Minister, Perry Gladstone Christie.
I immersed myself into the workings of the Board and was able to make some significant changes with the support of Sir Lynden Pindling. One of the changes was bringing more Bahamians into positions as dealers and supervisors in the casinos. I recall getting Bahamas Princess in Freeport to agree not to renew the work permits of some 24 or 25 croupiers. Similar changes took place at the Crystal Palace and at Paradise Island. More changes were on the way but did not materialize because we lost the government in august of 1992. Mr. Speaker, some colleagues may recall some years ago, an Amendment was made to allow for the introduction of Sports Betting in our casinos.
THE PROS & CONS OF GAMBLING
Mr. Speaker, this present Amendment is being made at the behest of the Casino Operators and will allow visitors, who have an interest in Off Track Betting, to avail themselves of such activity via our casinos that will provide such facilities. Mr. Speaker, Off Track Betting or any kind of wagering is not the only vehicle available to our visitors or anyone else for that matter. I will be more specific as I make my remarks today.
Mr. Speaker, gambling has been around for a very long time. Some people claim that life is a gamble. Some of our religious leaders preach, based on the Holy Scriptures, that gambling is wrong. Other religious leaders take a more moderate position. Those of moderation take the posture that all things done in excess are inherently wrong. Anything in excess such as the consumption of food, consumption of drink, leaded or unleaded, the excess of speeding on our roads, the excess of lifestyles where raucous behavior is the norm, to ostentatious housing and the list goes on and on, is all wrong some religious leaders say.
Mr. Speaker, some Bahamians are of the view that efforts to eliminate illegal gambling in the Bahamas have been a fruitless exercise . Some Bahamians express the view that unauthorized slot machines are available in increasing numbers. Some Bahamian tell me that many Bahamians in great numbers use their credit cards to gamble on the Internet, on all forms of gambling, including lotteries all around the world. Mr. Speaker, I am advised and am led to believe that illegal gambling is big business in our Bahamas. I am also told that large numbers of Bahamians earn their living from this enterprise. I am also told that Bahamians from all walks of life participate in the illegal gambling of our land. Mr. Speaker, my sources also tell me that ****-fighting is also big business in our land.
Mr. Speaker, I am told that there is no longer a need for couriers to travel to the United States to purchase lottery tickets. I am told that Bahamians simply use the Internet and their credit cards. While I could never glorify the subject of gambling, to make my point, I will give some examples of what kinds of gambling is available via the Internet in grand style before I take my seat today.
Mr. Speaker, some Bahamians have been questioning why not allow the government to license the various games of wager with the view of insuring the integrity of the games and the collection of gaming taxes; which is something that is not being paid by illegal operators. Mr. Speaker, I have been a devout Roman Catholic all of my life and my Church’s position on gambling are well known throughout the world.
But I hasten to remind the public at this point that Bingo has been a past time at Roman Catholic Fair’s since I was a child and before and Church Raffles fall into the same category. We Roman Catholic’s believe in God just like the Anglican, Baptist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Methodist and Church of God Saints. We all serve the same God. So, if the argument for or against gambling is the sanctification of it based on where it is done; whether in the backroom of a storefront, or in church halls, or church grounds then all concerned needs to say so.
However Mr. Speaker, it is my personal view that the thorny issue of gambling for Bahamians should be the subject of a Referendum. It is time in my view that we in the Bahamas let the Bahamian people decide. In this regard, our stance or lack thereof to date has caused the full concept of democracy to pass us by. We live in a democracy where it is prescribed that the majority has its way for better or worse.
And from a spiritual perspective we know that not everything that is lawful is necessarily good for every one, for I can think of many things that are lawful that I do not do because it is not good for me personally. Likewise others also of great faith act not only on what the law says, but also what the Holy Spirit speaks to the heart as to what is good for us as well as what is not as individuals. The Apostle Paul says, while all things may be lawful, not all things are good for me. And that is what proponents of anti-gambling should be advising those of faith to decide upon.
Mr. Speaker, we live in a world where information and events as they occur are available to all. The Super Information Highway brings the world to all wherever a computer is available. In fact, as soon as I sit down after my contribution, I can go downstairs in this Parliament and access the Internet, which is finally available to Parliamentarians, with my credit card and proceed to participate in Off Track Wagering. Likewise, I am sure that any Pastor with a computer or access to one and is so desirous to do so, can also place a wager.
Mr. Speaker, from a computer equipped with the Internet, I can proceed to wager on horse or dog races, any kind of sporting event, any kind of casino game and place a wager on any kind of lottery wherever in the world there is one. There are tens of thousands of web-sites for gambling in all forms for anyone desiring to participate. Without judging whether it is right or wrong, I dare say that the number of Internet Casinos out number televangelists and their television shows ten thousand to one.
Mr. Speaker, anyone and I stress anyone who has the resources can incorporate their own Internet Casino. For example, there is a company by the name of WSR, who are one of many specialists in incorporating Off-Shore Gambling Services. All it takes to obtain a license is a one-time application fee of $39,900. This fee covers the application and the first year’s taxes. After the first year, a fee of $9,900 is required regardless of how much money is earned.
No one will ask how much money is made; there are no further taxes; no need for tax declarations and no fees for accountants. One can even obtain an Off-Shore license for anonymous companies at a cost of $2,990 annually, as well as a merchants accountant fee of $2,990 and a web-server and hosting fee for $2,990. These are the services offered right now on the Internet to all without discrimination of race, creed, color or religious beliefs. Mr. Speaker, I would not be surprised if Bahamians are not already owners of Internet Casinos
Mr. Speaker as I mentioned earlier, all forms of gambling is available in the casino games. There is blackjack of all kinds, numerous poker games, dice games or craps as it is commonly called, Roulette and Bacarac games and the ever popular slot machines, or one arm bandits. In the area of sports betting, one is able to wager a bet on American Football, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Hockey, Tennis, Auto Racing, Golf, Horses and Dogs, and Boxing. And of course there is the popular and more accepted by all, wagering on Bingo and Lotteries.
And while I am sure some religious leaders would object, nevertheless the count as of last night for the Texas Lotto was $5 million dollars. The Florida Lotto was $32 million dollars. The Big Game Mega Lotto was $27 million dollars. The Powerball Lotto was $51 million dollars. The Super Lotto was $10 million dollars—and let the winners and the congregation say-“Amen.”
Mr. Speaker, that is where the issue of gaming and it’s easily accessibility to Bahamians currently stands. The question for all Bahamians to answer is where do we go from here in this broadening world structure? No doubt that the government will be forced to make a decision. Do we allow illegal gambling for some to continue in the Bahamas, while legal gambling for others? Do we allow specific kinds of gambling in specific places for Bahamians by way of regulations and taxes? Do we allow illegal gambling to go on without regulation and the imposition of taxes? Do we ban all forms of gambling and chances in the Bahamas for Bahamians whether in storefronts or church halls? Is it time that all thinking Bahamians examine closely the facts as they presently exist and come to the conclusion as to the way ahead?
Mr. Speaker, or do we think that we should continue to stick our heads in the sand like the proverbial ostrich, in order to ignore the realities of the times in which we live? And will the Central Bank acknowledge that it is impossible to control Bahamians gambling on the Internet? Mr. Speaker, I can never advocate going along with the crowd or acquiescing to what groups of people do for the sake of it. But just as it is a matter of free choice to follow the Lord Jesus Christ into salvation, likewise it is a matter of choice to decide to place a wager. But one has to wonder about the legitimacy of gaming prohibition, the harm gambling does or doesn’t do in juxtaposition to the many of persons who do it and suffer no real life threatening consequences for themselves or others.
Of course Mr. Speaker, as I said before persons should know what is good for them and what is not. Nevertheless we must be mindful that some persons will not realize that gambling is not good for them without being educated and made aware that there is a negative side to gambling in excess, just as it is with eating and drinking too much. In that regard, we must educate and make publicly aware the negative side to gambling as well as reach out to those who may fall prey, or who already have, to compulsive gambling.
COMPULSIVE GAMBLING
Mr. Speaker, most persons are aware that anything in excess is non-productive to their well being. However, the difficulty comes in when human beings cannot be honest with themselves as to when they have had enough as a preventative measure. In fact human beings in too many instances only recognize the need for change when a curative measure is needed. And that would likewise go for gambling compulsively. Mr. Speaker, if we are to consider legalizing certain aspects of gambling for Bahamians, then we should ask that responsibility comes hand in hand with freedom.
Therefore, the one who exercises the freedom to gamble has a responsibility, as well as the one who grants that freedom to society by legislation. No doubt as with everything else, persons would misjudge their ability to exercise that freedom to gamble in a legal environment, as they do now in illegal environments. We who may advocate the freedom to gamble with responsibility must look out for those who constitution, conscience and faith may be weaker than others.
This is also a belief of those entities that offer gambling services around the world. There are such places as Gambler’s Anonymous and the National Council on Problem Gambling, who do not take a dogmatic stance against gambling across the board. But in order not to interfere with the spiritual concept of free choice, they offer help for those who find gambling to be compulsive on their part. Such a concept of help would be responsible behavior for any government that offers legalized gambling.
Mr. Speaker, some may say, why set up help in advance for a gambling problem that can be avoided by banning its existence? To that I say, why continue to ban specific forms of gambling for Bahamians, and facilitate the temptation that already exist because of an underground market? This is probably the most troubling question concerning Bahamians and gambling. This is a question that has plagued the country and successive governments, but has not plagued the gambler for he’s too busy gambling by whatever means available to him.
However, it would be the responsibility of legislation to take into account the victims of gambling by putting in place programs for such cases. As we know, compulsive gambling is a behavior that causes disruptions in any major area of life, whether it be psychological, physical, social or vocational. Compulsive gambling is a progressive addiction that is characterized by increasing preoccupation, a need to bet more money more frequently, irritability when attempting to stop and loss of control caused by the manifestation of compulsive gambling behavior despite mounting and serious consequences.
Mr. Speaker, if we are to consider legalized gambling for Bahamians we must establish some guidelines. One such guideline could be a strict Credit Policy, to ensure responsible wagering by way of daily, weekly and monthly credit cards as a result of deposits. Likewise, those who work in this field of legalized gambling must be trained on how to discern if someone is or is becoming a compulsive gambler. Persons also employed in the area of legalize gambling must know the indications of compulsive gambling for most compulsive gamblers will go to great lengths to hide their problem.
Mr. Speaker, the general indicators of all compulsive gamblers are as follows:
• Losing time from work or family due to gambling.
• Repeated failed attempts to stop or control gambling.
• Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts.
• Gambling to escape worry or trouble.
• Neglecting the care of one’s self or family in order to gamble.
• Lying about the time and money spent on gambling.
• Gambling more money in an attempt to win back losses.
• Selling or pawning personal possessions to get money to gamble
• Feelings of hopelessness, depression, or suicide as a result of gambling.
• A sudden need for money/loans
• Secrecy and avoidance when questioned about time and money.
Mr. Speaker, we must be serious about the concept of Bahamians gambling if it is to come to fruition. Those employed in the field of legalized gambling must be trained to recognize the above mentioned indicators and help and legislation must be put in place to minimize and eliminate these problems. However Mr. Speaker, while legislation can and must do these things, the person choosing to gamble in a legalized setting must also ask themselves some questions to help them realize whether gambling is for them, or if they already have a problem. Such questions that should be asked are:
• Have you often gambled longer than you had planned?
• Have you often gambled until your last dollar was gone?
• Have thoughts of gambling caused you to lose sleep?
• Have you used your income or savings to gamble while letting bills go unpaid?
• Have you ever made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling?
• Have you ever broken the law or considered breaking the law to finance your gambling?
• Have you borrowed money to finance your gambling?
• Have you felt depressed or suicidal because of your gambling losses?
• Have you been remorseful after gambling?
• Have you gambled to get money to meet your financial obligations?
Mr. Speaker, these are likewise questions that those who may choose to gamble if legalized in the Bahamas, must answer to themselves. Mr. Speaker, my point is that we as Bahamians must decide if we are to enter the first world as far as the business of legalized gambling, the entertainment of legalized gambling and the profitability of legalized gambling. If we are to do that then we also must accept the responsibilities of legalized gambling. Legislation must be put in place to ensure that those who can handle the freedom will have it available to them and those who cannot will be protected from it and themselves.
CONCLUSION
Mr. Speaker, I conclude as I began by lending my support to my government’s Bill for an Act to Amend the Lottery and Gaming Act to Provide for Paramutuel Wagering in the Bahamas in our licensed casinos. Likewise Mr. Speaker, I would hope that one day soon the Bahamian people would insist that the question of legalized gambling for Bahamians be addressed and settled. And for those religious leaders who have strong, strong beliefs that gambling in any form is wrong, I cannot and will not try to disabuse them of their views, but instead simply remind them that we who believe in Christ are in the world but not of the world.
Life is still about the freedom of choice and if someone decides to do something against better judgement, even God will not stop it. For example, look at Adam and Eve and the choices they were allowed to make in the Garden of Eden, despite God saying that they must not eat from the Tree of Good and Evil? They did so and God allowed it. It is only for us mortals to assist our fellow men when they fall short and need help.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to repeat what I said earlier in this contribution, as to whether the people may think it’s time that the issue of gambling and Bahamians be taken to a Referendum? Whether to go to a Referendum or not, as a servant of the people, I would abide in whatever decision they make, as I would expect all other righteous people to do the same. May God bless the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
Bradley B. Roberts
MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS, UTILITIES & BAHAMASAIR
BRADLEY B. ROBERTS, MP
TOPIC: (A BILL FOR AN ACT TO AMEND THE LOTTERY & GAMING ACT
TO PROVIDE FOR PARAMUTUEL WAGERINGIN THE BAHAMAS)
OCTOBER 16, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of the great constituency of Bain & Grants Town to lend my support to amend the Lotteries and Gaming Act to provide for Off Track Betting in the Bahamian Casinos. Mr. Speaker, it was my privilege to serve as Chairman of the Gaming Board for some five months in 1992 when the late Sir Lynden Pindling held the ministerial portfolio for the Gaming Board. My taking the reigns of the Gaming Board came at the behest of our now Prime Minister, Perry Gladstone Christie.
I immersed myself into the workings of the Board and was able to make some significant changes with the support of Sir Lynden Pindling. One of the changes was bringing more Bahamians into positions as dealers and supervisors in the casinos. I recall getting Bahamas Princess in Freeport to agree not to renew the work permits of some 24 or 25 croupiers. Similar changes took place at the Crystal Palace and at Paradise Island. More changes were on the way but did not materialize because we lost the government in august of 1992. Mr. Speaker, some colleagues may recall some years ago, an Amendment was made to allow for the introduction of Sports Betting in our casinos.
THE PROS & CONS OF GAMBLING
Mr. Speaker, this present Amendment is being made at the behest of the Casino Operators and will allow visitors, who have an interest in Off Track Betting, to avail themselves of such activity via our casinos that will provide such facilities. Mr. Speaker, Off Track Betting or any kind of wagering is not the only vehicle available to our visitors or anyone else for that matter. I will be more specific as I make my remarks today.
Mr. Speaker, gambling has been around for a very long time. Some people claim that life is a gamble. Some of our religious leaders preach, based on the Holy Scriptures, that gambling is wrong. Other religious leaders take a more moderate position. Those of moderation take the posture that all things done in excess are inherently wrong. Anything in excess such as the consumption of food, consumption of drink, leaded or unleaded, the excess of speeding on our roads, the excess of lifestyles where raucous behavior is the norm, to ostentatious housing and the list goes on and on, is all wrong some religious leaders say.
Mr. Speaker, some Bahamians are of the view that efforts to eliminate illegal gambling in the Bahamas have been a fruitless exercise . Some Bahamians express the view that unauthorized slot machines are available in increasing numbers. Some Bahamian tell me that many Bahamians in great numbers use their credit cards to gamble on the Internet, on all forms of gambling, including lotteries all around the world. Mr. Speaker, I am advised and am led to believe that illegal gambling is big business in our Bahamas. I am also told that large numbers of Bahamians earn their living from this enterprise. I am also told that Bahamians from all walks of life participate in the illegal gambling of our land. Mr. Speaker, my sources also tell me that ****-fighting is also big business in our land.
Mr. Speaker, I am told that there is no longer a need for couriers to travel to the United States to purchase lottery tickets. I am told that Bahamians simply use the Internet and their credit cards. While I could never glorify the subject of gambling, to make my point, I will give some examples of what kinds of gambling is available via the Internet in grand style before I take my seat today.
Mr. Speaker, some Bahamians have been questioning why not allow the government to license the various games of wager with the view of insuring the integrity of the games and the collection of gaming taxes; which is something that is not being paid by illegal operators. Mr. Speaker, I have been a devout Roman Catholic all of my life and my Church’s position on gambling are well known throughout the world.
But I hasten to remind the public at this point that Bingo has been a past time at Roman Catholic Fair’s since I was a child and before and Church Raffles fall into the same category. We Roman Catholic’s believe in God just like the Anglican, Baptist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Methodist and Church of God Saints. We all serve the same God. So, if the argument for or against gambling is the sanctification of it based on where it is done; whether in the backroom of a storefront, or in church halls, or church grounds then all concerned needs to say so.
However Mr. Speaker, it is my personal view that the thorny issue of gambling for Bahamians should be the subject of a Referendum. It is time in my view that we in the Bahamas let the Bahamian people decide. In this regard, our stance or lack thereof to date has caused the full concept of democracy to pass us by. We live in a democracy where it is prescribed that the majority has its way for better or worse.
And from a spiritual perspective we know that not everything that is lawful is necessarily good for every one, for I can think of many things that are lawful that I do not do because it is not good for me personally. Likewise others also of great faith act not only on what the law says, but also what the Holy Spirit speaks to the heart as to what is good for us as well as what is not as individuals. The Apostle Paul says, while all things may be lawful, not all things are good for me. And that is what proponents of anti-gambling should be advising those of faith to decide upon.
Mr. Speaker, we live in a world where information and events as they occur are available to all. The Super Information Highway brings the world to all wherever a computer is available. In fact, as soon as I sit down after my contribution, I can go downstairs in this Parliament and access the Internet, which is finally available to Parliamentarians, with my credit card and proceed to participate in Off Track Wagering. Likewise, I am sure that any Pastor with a computer or access to one and is so desirous to do so, can also place a wager.
Mr. Speaker, from a computer equipped with the Internet, I can proceed to wager on horse or dog races, any kind of sporting event, any kind of casino game and place a wager on any kind of lottery wherever in the world there is one. There are tens of thousands of web-sites for gambling in all forms for anyone desiring to participate. Without judging whether it is right or wrong, I dare say that the number of Internet Casinos out number televangelists and their television shows ten thousand to one.
Mr. Speaker, anyone and I stress anyone who has the resources can incorporate their own Internet Casino. For example, there is a company by the name of WSR, who are one of many specialists in incorporating Off-Shore Gambling Services. All it takes to obtain a license is a one-time application fee of $39,900. This fee covers the application and the first year’s taxes. After the first year, a fee of $9,900 is required regardless of how much money is earned.
No one will ask how much money is made; there are no further taxes; no need for tax declarations and no fees for accountants. One can even obtain an Off-Shore license for anonymous companies at a cost of $2,990 annually, as well as a merchants accountant fee of $2,990 and a web-server and hosting fee for $2,990. These are the services offered right now on the Internet to all without discrimination of race, creed, color or religious beliefs. Mr. Speaker, I would not be surprised if Bahamians are not already owners of Internet Casinos
Mr. Speaker as I mentioned earlier, all forms of gambling is available in the casino games. There is blackjack of all kinds, numerous poker games, dice games or craps as it is commonly called, Roulette and Bacarac games and the ever popular slot machines, or one arm bandits. In the area of sports betting, one is able to wager a bet on American Football, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Hockey, Tennis, Auto Racing, Golf, Horses and Dogs, and Boxing. And of course there is the popular and more accepted by all, wagering on Bingo and Lotteries.
And while I am sure some religious leaders would object, nevertheless the count as of last night for the Texas Lotto was $5 million dollars. The Florida Lotto was $32 million dollars. The Big Game Mega Lotto was $27 million dollars. The Powerball Lotto was $51 million dollars. The Super Lotto was $10 million dollars—and let the winners and the congregation say-“Amen.”
Mr. Speaker, that is where the issue of gaming and it’s easily accessibility to Bahamians currently stands. The question for all Bahamians to answer is where do we go from here in this broadening world structure? No doubt that the government will be forced to make a decision. Do we allow illegal gambling for some to continue in the Bahamas, while legal gambling for others? Do we allow specific kinds of gambling in specific places for Bahamians by way of regulations and taxes? Do we allow illegal gambling to go on without regulation and the imposition of taxes? Do we ban all forms of gambling and chances in the Bahamas for Bahamians whether in storefronts or church halls? Is it time that all thinking Bahamians examine closely the facts as they presently exist and come to the conclusion as to the way ahead?
Mr. Speaker, or do we think that we should continue to stick our heads in the sand like the proverbial ostrich, in order to ignore the realities of the times in which we live? And will the Central Bank acknowledge that it is impossible to control Bahamians gambling on the Internet? Mr. Speaker, I can never advocate going along with the crowd or acquiescing to what groups of people do for the sake of it. But just as it is a matter of free choice to follow the Lord Jesus Christ into salvation, likewise it is a matter of choice to decide to place a wager. But one has to wonder about the legitimacy of gaming prohibition, the harm gambling does or doesn’t do in juxtaposition to the many of persons who do it and suffer no real life threatening consequences for themselves or others.
Of course Mr. Speaker, as I said before persons should know what is good for them and what is not. Nevertheless we must be mindful that some persons will not realize that gambling is not good for them without being educated and made aware that there is a negative side to gambling in excess, just as it is with eating and drinking too much. In that regard, we must educate and make publicly aware the negative side to gambling as well as reach out to those who may fall prey, or who already have, to compulsive gambling.
COMPULSIVE GAMBLING
Mr. Speaker, most persons are aware that anything in excess is non-productive to their well being. However, the difficulty comes in when human beings cannot be honest with themselves as to when they have had enough as a preventative measure. In fact human beings in too many instances only recognize the need for change when a curative measure is needed. And that would likewise go for gambling compulsively. Mr. Speaker, if we are to consider legalizing certain aspects of gambling for Bahamians, then we should ask that responsibility comes hand in hand with freedom.
Therefore, the one who exercises the freedom to gamble has a responsibility, as well as the one who grants that freedom to society by legislation. No doubt as with everything else, persons would misjudge their ability to exercise that freedom to gamble in a legal environment, as they do now in illegal environments. We who may advocate the freedom to gamble with responsibility must look out for those who constitution, conscience and faith may be weaker than others.
This is also a belief of those entities that offer gambling services around the world. There are such places as Gambler’s Anonymous and the National Council on Problem Gambling, who do not take a dogmatic stance against gambling across the board. But in order not to interfere with the spiritual concept of free choice, they offer help for those who find gambling to be compulsive on their part. Such a concept of help would be responsible behavior for any government that offers legalized gambling.
Mr. Speaker, some may say, why set up help in advance for a gambling problem that can be avoided by banning its existence? To that I say, why continue to ban specific forms of gambling for Bahamians, and facilitate the temptation that already exist because of an underground market? This is probably the most troubling question concerning Bahamians and gambling. This is a question that has plagued the country and successive governments, but has not plagued the gambler for he’s too busy gambling by whatever means available to him.
However, it would be the responsibility of legislation to take into account the victims of gambling by putting in place programs for such cases. As we know, compulsive gambling is a behavior that causes disruptions in any major area of life, whether it be psychological, physical, social or vocational. Compulsive gambling is a progressive addiction that is characterized by increasing preoccupation, a need to bet more money more frequently, irritability when attempting to stop and loss of control caused by the manifestation of compulsive gambling behavior despite mounting and serious consequences.
Mr. Speaker, if we are to consider legalized gambling for Bahamians we must establish some guidelines. One such guideline could be a strict Credit Policy, to ensure responsible wagering by way of daily, weekly and monthly credit cards as a result of deposits. Likewise, those who work in this field of legalized gambling must be trained on how to discern if someone is or is becoming a compulsive gambler. Persons also employed in the area of legalize gambling must know the indications of compulsive gambling for most compulsive gamblers will go to great lengths to hide their problem.
Mr. Speaker, the general indicators of all compulsive gamblers are as follows:
• Losing time from work or family due to gambling.
• Repeated failed attempts to stop or control gambling.
• Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts.
• Gambling to escape worry or trouble.
• Neglecting the care of one’s self or family in order to gamble.
• Lying about the time and money spent on gambling.
• Gambling more money in an attempt to win back losses.
• Selling or pawning personal possessions to get money to gamble
• Feelings of hopelessness, depression, or suicide as a result of gambling.
• A sudden need for money/loans
• Secrecy and avoidance when questioned about time and money.
Mr. Speaker, we must be serious about the concept of Bahamians gambling if it is to come to fruition. Those employed in the field of legalized gambling must be trained to recognize the above mentioned indicators and help and legislation must be put in place to minimize and eliminate these problems. However Mr. Speaker, while legislation can and must do these things, the person choosing to gamble in a legalized setting must also ask themselves some questions to help them realize whether gambling is for them, or if they already have a problem. Such questions that should be asked are:
• Have you often gambled longer than you had planned?
• Have you often gambled until your last dollar was gone?
• Have thoughts of gambling caused you to lose sleep?
• Have you used your income or savings to gamble while letting bills go unpaid?
• Have you ever made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling?
• Have you ever broken the law or considered breaking the law to finance your gambling?
• Have you borrowed money to finance your gambling?
• Have you felt depressed or suicidal because of your gambling losses?
• Have you been remorseful after gambling?
• Have you gambled to get money to meet your financial obligations?
Mr. Speaker, these are likewise questions that those who may choose to gamble if legalized in the Bahamas, must answer to themselves. Mr. Speaker, my point is that we as Bahamians must decide if we are to enter the first world as far as the business of legalized gambling, the entertainment of legalized gambling and the profitability of legalized gambling. If we are to do that then we also must accept the responsibilities of legalized gambling. Legislation must be put in place to ensure that those who can handle the freedom will have it available to them and those who cannot will be protected from it and themselves.
CONCLUSION
Mr. Speaker, I conclude as I began by lending my support to my government’s Bill for an Act to Amend the Lottery and Gaming Act to Provide for Paramutuel Wagering in the Bahamas in our licensed casinos. Likewise Mr. Speaker, I would hope that one day soon the Bahamian people would insist that the question of legalized gambling for Bahamians be addressed and settled. And for those religious leaders who have strong, strong beliefs that gambling in any form is wrong, I cannot and will not try to disabuse them of their views, but instead simply remind them that we who believe in Christ are in the world but not of the world.
Life is still about the freedom of choice and if someone decides to do something against better judgement, even God will not stop it. For example, look at Adam and Eve and the choices they were allowed to make in the Garden of Eden, despite God saying that they must not eat from the Tree of Good and Evil? They did so and God allowed it. It is only for us mortals to assist our fellow men when they fall short and need help.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to repeat what I said earlier in this contribution, as to whether the people may think it’s time that the issue of gambling and Bahamians be taken to a Referendum? Whether to go to a Referendum or not, as a servant of the people, I would abide in whatever decision they make, as I would expect all other righteous people to do the same. May God bless the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
Bradley B. Roberts