Bermuda may legalise casinos

The British island approved yesterday the Casino Gaming Amendment Act.

UK.- The British overseas territory of Bermuda has shown interest in legalising casino industry, as Parliament officials have approved yesterday the Casino Gaming Amendment Act. Although the gaming bill needs further approvals in order to enter into force, the unanimous agreement to pass the act brought confidence to the industry.

Under the Casino Gaming Amendment, international investors will be able to install at least three casino resorts in the touristic islands. “The government amended the Casino Gaming Act of 2014 to establish a three-step process toward obtaining the three gaming licenses the country plans to give out,” revealed Michael Fahy, Bermuda’s tourism minister to Travel Weekly.

Bermuda’s Senate had previously approved the introduction of the gaming debate last week, when they passed the Casino Act. The bill also contemplates the establishment of The Problem Gaming Council to regulate the new market. In the following months, authorities would set the conditions to begin the construction of casinos.

Fairmont Hamilton Princess and the St. Regis hotels have obtained the “designated site orders,” that represents the conclusion of the first of those three steps. The further steps are the provisional license stage, which allows the construction of the casino floor in the hotels, and the official license stage, which grants the permission to operate gaming services. Online gaming platforms and sports betting websites are included in the bill.