Allowing gaming for cruise ships in port should be considered simultaneously with gaming for Bermuda as a whole, according to Kim Swan.Mr Swan, who was elected as a UBP MP, criticised Government for what he said was its over-reliance on cruise ships.On Monday, Transport Minister Derrick Burgess said that allowing cruise ship gaming would be discussed again by Cabinet. He said cruise ship executives had complained that they were losing revenue by being forced to close their casino operations and shops while in port, and that changing the policy could be a win-win for Bermuda and the cruise ships.“The question was raised when this matter was debated two years ago how can a Government in all good consciousness grant on-Island gaming permission to cruise ships when the same Government passed the prohibitive gaming act against business in Bermuda less than a decade ago?” said Mr Swan.“The whole situation was a rush job and Parliament was correct to reject it at that time.”Seven ruling party backbenchers joined the Opposition Party in voting against the Cruise Ship Gambling Bill when it was brought to the House in 2009 Lovitta Foggo, Ashfield DeVent, Dennis Lister, Patrice Minors, Wayne Perinchief, Alex Scott and Dame Jennifer Smith. Three of those are now Cabinet Ministers.“The PLP has placed a great deal of resources into the enhancement of the cruise ship business to the extent that it (cruise ships) accounts for the largest percentage of our visitors,” Mr Swan continued.“This policy has crippled Bermuda Tourism. Whilst we (UBP) welcome cruise visitors, the policy needs to be more balanced to allow us, as a country, to keep our eye on air visitors bound for hotels, guest houses and local homes.“The issue of gaming for cruise ships should be considered at the same time as considering gaming for our local hotels.”In its Throne Speech, Government noted: “consideration of a referendum on whether Bermuda should allow gaming” was a “further option” in a list of initiatives to boost tourism.Mr Swan said that, based on his own research, the public was more receptive to gaming.“Consequently, another hurried bill for cruise ships is not the way to address the gaming issue.”Much of Mr Swan’s argument would resonate with some members of the business community.The Chamber of Commerce has said it is now consulting its members on the issue, and so far more than half of those consulted oppose the idea of allowing cruise ship casinos to open in port without legalising gaming for the Island as a whole.The Chamber’s 2009 support was based on different terms of reference and a proposed policy that would have legalised gaming Island-wide.“I feel very strongly that if you are going to change legislation, the first people that legislation should benefit is Bermudians,” said restaurateur Phillip Barnett.“And if Bermudians do not have a prior benefit from it, as croupiers, dealers, security guards or other service providers, and quite frankly they don’t, I’m against opening up casinos for cruise ships at night.”Mr Barnett said that most of the Island’s restaurateurs share his views. “The first group that needs to benefit from gaming would be the hotels who are already employing Bermudians and spending money in the local economy through jobs that are created there. They should be the first people to get a bite at the cherry,” he said.Hotels have been “long suffering and are having a harder time to break even, but are committed to Bermuda and have been committed to Bermuda. Hotels have made it very clear that they are supportive of gambling”.