most politicians shy away, most recently the idea was publicly supported by PLP Member of Parliament Mr. Julian Hall. Casino gambling, despite the open gambling which already exists in Bermuda, always causes strong public feeling.

A recent issue of Tourism Today, the magazine of Caribbean tourism development which includes Bermuda, has devoted considerable space to the debate over casino gambling. According to that magazine, many visitors choose Caribbean destinations that offer "the casino option''. However the magazine points out that casinos are a "hotly debated topic''.

"Many countries in the region, including St. Lucia, have created quite a stir among the religious sectors of the population, which in some cases comprises the majority, simply by proposing casinos as an additional form of entertainment for tourists, additional revenue for the government and jobs for the citizens. Currently only 13 countries in the Caribbean have casinos.'' Sixteen countries, including Bermuda, do not allow casino gambling.

The magazine goes on to say that while casinos arouse many citizens they are far more accepted than in the past when casino gambling was stigmatised by being associated with unscrupulous business practices.

"Many Caribbean governments now recognise that casinos, as a tourist amenity, can provide much-needed revenue and additional employment without sacrificing the individual personality and character of the destination.'' The article says that the debate rages on as to whether casinos attract an undesirable element and corrupt impressionable youth and although the impact on tourism is not always tangible the gaming houses are important in the overall marketing mix offered to vacationers. Casinos can be a deciding factor in the final choice of destination by a traveller. There is also growing evidence of the popularity of vacation "gambling packages''.

It is interesting that the Caribbean casinos do not seem to be a tourist attraction. Basically people go to the islands for sun and sand and the casinos are an added amenity for guests and boost hotel occupancy by offering evening entertainment and provide one more thing to do.

Some of the thinking about casinos in the islands which do not have them is interesting. In the US Virgin Islands, a referendum on casino gambling in late 1992 did not pass.

In St. Lucia the churches have had strong feelings against gambling but the tourism officials feel that the absence of casinos has discouraged hotel investment.

In Grenada it is thought that, "Gambling does not compliment the current goals of Grenada's marketing strategy.'' Jamaica allows slot machines but does not allow casinos and tourism has shown a steady increase.

Trinidad and Tobago do not allow casinos because, "...it may project an image of libertarianism and licentious living which may encourage a lifestyle that may be inimical to the moral fabric of society.''