iGaming Business – Tim Adam, secretary of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) has insisted that the island group should not ‘rush’ into a decision on gambling despite fellow British overseas territory Bermuda having announced plans of its own.
According to the Bernews.com website, Bermuda Premier Craig Cannonier recently said that rather than holding a referendum on gambling, the subject would instead be decided by a vote in parliament.
Reports in the local media suggest that legislation is likely to be passed as a result of the proposed parliamentary vote.
Despite Bermuda’s moves, Adam said that the issue of gambling should be decided only after a public education campaign and a referendum.
“We do not think Cayman should rush into following Bermuda on this,” Adam said. “We would need to consider what type of visitors gambling might attract, and there should also be studies done on whether Cayman’s existing visitors would be in favor of or against the introduction of gambling.
“The pros and cons of gambling and its anticipated socioeconomic impacts would have to be carefully analysed and shared with the public before CITA could be in a position to make any such recommendation to the government in favor of or against introducing gambling.”
Adam said the decision by Bermuda would not impact Cayman and could actually backfire on Bermuda instead.
“As a tourist destination, Cayman has for several years successfully competed against many other Caribbean destinations that already offer gambling, so if Bermuda introduces gambling it is doubtful that would have a significant negative impact on tourist arrivals here,” he added.
“Of course it could even turn out that we get some tourists coming to Cayman to avoid Bermuda because of them introducing gambling.”
