time the complaint comes from a Government backbench MP. We will see if he gets more action than the people who have complained in the past.

Gambling of any sort is a vexed question in Bermuda but we should never make the mistake of thinking that Bermuda does not have gambling. It does have gambling in many forms. That gambling ranges from bingo in private clubs to Crown and Anchor at sports grounds to such things as football pools and multi-national betting on the horses, which is taxed. There is also a great deal of "under the table'' gambling.

When dealing with gambling, both the Police and the Attorney General's department hide behind the phrase: "We have not had any complaints.'' Yet they both have a duty to enforce the law and should not need a complaint. It is almost as if they are frightened to go anywhere near gambling.

This time things are different. There is a complaint from a constituent to an MP.

As we see it, the real question here is whether or not Bermuda allows gambling. Right now there seems to be an ambiguity in the law which is letting gambling creep into Bermuda without anyone actually making a decision one way or the other. If we do not want gambling and the law needs to be changed, then let's change it. If we do want gambling, then let's say so and let's say what kind of gambling we do and do not allow. It is the "maybe yes and maybe no'' situation which is both unfair and confusing.

In April, the Attorney General was "unsure'' if the gambling machines were being operated illegally. A Police spokesman was uncertain what the law was concerning video machines.

Not making the law clear is unfair to those people who do install gambling games and machines, presumably hoping that they will "get away with it'' and not have to yank them out again or be charged with breaking the law. It is also unfair to the public which does not know whether it is free to gamble or whether it is being lured into criminal activity.

This newspaper's position has been clear for a very long time. Bermuda should have a properly organised lottery and the proceeds should be put to use in support of public projects such as sports, the arts or conservation.

We do not believe that Bermuda should have casino gambling. There are too many dangerous side issues involved in casino gambling. In any case it is too late for casino gambling. Casino gambling was once very profitable because it was a rarity. These days casino gambling is everywhere, except Bermuda, and there are many empty casinos. It may well be that there is an advantage for Bermuda in not having casino gambling.