Government against casinos

Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Conrad Enill, reaffirmed the Government’s opposition to casino gambling as he moved an umbrella Finance Bill in the House of Representatives on Friday.

The Bill amends the 1963 Gambling and Betting Act to specifically add slot-machines to the list of gambling activities banned by the Act. Enill said the change now “removes any ambiguity” over slot machines which through the Bill are considered to be gambling machines under the 1963 Act.

“Accordingly this measure will enforce the ban on the importation and use of slot-machines which took effect from March 1, 2007, and would reiterate the position of Government on casino-type gaming activities. Government is totally against the operation of casinos and all casino-type establishments as studies have shown the link between gaming activities and the erosion of societies,” he said.