Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Bahamas says no to web gambling and national lottery

The people of the Bahamas on Monday rejected proposals legalising web-shop gambling and a national lottery.

Preliminary results from a national referendum show that Bahamians rejted the idea by a margin of almost two to one. They stated NO to the question: "Do you support the regulation and taxation of web shop gaming and Do you support the establishment of a National Lottery?"

The referendum had the feel of a general election campaign with the governing Progressive Liberal party (PLP) urging supporters to approve the proposal. It argued that the measure would provide a new source of government revenue, which would also create local employment.

The main opposition Free National Movement (FNM) rejcted the idea and told people to vote NO.

The government said it has accepted the decision of the people. An official statement said, “The Prime Minister was clear that his government would be guided by the results of the Referendum and the will of the people notwithstanding the low voter turnout. The people have spoken and have rejected the regulation of Game Shops and the establishment of a National Lottery.”

FNM leader Dr. Hubert Minnis said, “I am very very happy that the Bahamian people have spoken. I congratulate both the Bahamian people and the church and this has galvanised the church and the Bahamian people will realise how important the church is to our society.” 

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Jai & Sero

Jai & Sero

Our family at home in Toronto 2008

Our family at home in Toronto 2008
Amit, Heather, Fuzz, Aj, Jiv, Shiva, Rampa, Sero, Jai