Despite the issue of gambling addiction always being a controversial subject in Caribbean island of Bermuda, a recent government document has stated it would be counter-productive to completely ignore the undeniable fact that casinos have a very positive effect on tourism, boosting it by as much as 100% in some cases. The latest review by the country’s tourism board lists gambling and casinos as a high priority to be addressed “within two years”.

The document proposes opening a casino in the island’s capital city of Hamilton, ensuring Bermuda “transcends seasonality and extends a 365-day visitor welcome”. It has been stated that this venture would create a huge number of additional jobs and increase Bermuda’s tourist revenue exponentially.

The report can be quoted as saying “Online casino gambling can potentially provide the island with a huge amount of business, and the leisure traveller with yet another recreational option throughout their stay.” The majority of tourism board members have expressed their support of the idea, stating their primary intention is to keep Bermuda on the map of “places to be” as tourism is essential if the island is to continue the success it currently enjoys. Bermuda is a British overseas acreage within the Caribbean which has a human population close to 63,800. Hamilton is the largest city and is the island’s capital. According to the BBC, the two primary languages being used are English and Portuguese.