A threatened rebellion by Government MPs stopped Premier Dr. Ewart Brown from moving the Gaming Bill on Friday.

And The Royal Gazette understands that two other bills will be opposed by Progressive Labour Party backbenchers out to oust the Premier.

The Prohibition of Gaming Machines Amendment Act 2009, which would allow gaming on cruise ships while in port, had been due to return to the House on Friday but MPs were surprised to see it carried over for another day.

And one PLP MP said two other bills sponsored by the Premier would also be in trouble if they were not amended. One PLPMP said:"It was very significant. It was the backbench flexing its muscles. The backbench stopped it cold, they would have voted against all of it."

Also now on the order paper of the House are is the Civil Airports Amendment which would give the Transport Minister power to grant leases of up to 21 years without parliamentary approval, while leases between 21 years and 120 years must go before the House.

One MP said the bill would grant leases for far too long while MPs are also said to be unhappy about removing the power of the House to scrutinise contracts. And there is unhappiness with the Auxiliary Bicycles Amendment Bill which would make it an offence for any person under 18 to ride a moped between midnight and 5 a.m.

Some backbench PLP MPs feel it is discriminatory and would hit teens who needed to work at those hours and also families where an older sibling took a younger sibling to school on a moped.

While some PLP MPs will oppose that bill it could get through with Opposition support.

Asked how the Premier was taking the rebellion one Government MP, who wished to remain anonymous, said:"How would you take it if the boat was sinking underneath you?"

Another PLPbackbencher said:"It's going to be an interesting few weeks. I am looking forward to it."

The Gaming Act has already been debated so it could be brought up for a snap vote at any time the Premier feels he has got the numbers.

In March, the House of Assembly approved the first nine clauses of the Gaming Act but the Premier then asked the House to rise and report progress, as it appeared there was not enough support for the Bill to pass.

Government MPs Alex Scott, Wayne Perinchief and Patrice Minors joined Opposition MPs in speaking out against it.

According to Parliamentary protocol, a Bill suspended in the Committee stage can be reintroduced in the same Parliamentary session. Dr. Brown has until the summer recess to resurrect it.

Asked if the bill was likely to come back one MP said:"That is the $64 million question.

"After the conscience vote I don't think it has a hope in hell unless someone has a 'switch in conscience'."

United Bermuda Party MP John Barritt said the mood on the Government backbenches was significant.

While the UBP had plenty of backbench rebellions in its 30 years in power he said this was the first under a PLP government

.However he added:"A day is a long time in politics, a week is even longer. Many a deal can be brokered. We won't know until it comes up.

"But one thing Iam encouraged by is that it makes the legislature the seat of power again. I think it's a good thing."