NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Government is looking to amend the law which prohibits Bahamians from gambling in casinos, according to Gaming Board Chairman Dr Daniel Johnson, who said The Bahamas should not “ discriminate against our own people”.
Casino gaming is legal in The Bahamas for non-residents 18 years and older. Section 50 of the Lotteries and Gaming Act, however prohibits from gambling in casinos all persons who are work permit holders (non-Bahamians), permanent residents (non-Bahamians), ordinary residents of The Bahamas (Bahamian nationals), and the spouses of these persons.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 3rd Caribbean Regulator’s Forum & 10th Caribbean Gaming Show at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, Johnson noted that legislation to address the issue as well as bring the country’s gaming sector “into the 21st century” will be rolled out in the next several months.
“There are a couple of big things we have to consider,” he said. “We can’t discriminate against our own people. I’m a former politico. It’s a peculiar thing that you can gamble on Carmichael Road but you can’t come over here and place a $10 bet. It’s a peculiar thing that there are certain people who can go certain places and do it and other people can’t.
