Seventh-day Adventist Church members will be taking a conscience vote when Bermuda goes to a referendum on gambling.The church’s Bermuda Conference has historically condemned gaming, saying it erodes family values and is incompatible with a Christian lifestyle.But president Jeffrey Brown yesterday said the church’s members will be encouraged to make their own minds up before the Island’s historic vote on the subject.Reacting to Premier Paula Cox’s move to start setting up the referendum process by tabling legislation last Friday, Dr Brown told The Royal Gazette yesterday: “With regards to gaming, there appears to be a spirit of openness from the Government and a willingness to engage the viewpoints of all citizens of Bermuda.“The Seventh-day Adventist Church has a position on gambling that its members abide by, but it does not seek to truncate freedom of speech by dictating how anyone ought to vote.“The church upholds religious liberty and is very appreciative of this inclusive invitation. As church members consider the welfare of our Country, they are encouraged to prayerfully participate, according to their conscience.”Bermuda has been split down the middle over gambling in recent years, with some saying it could help rejuvenate the ailing tourism industry, and others opposed on moral or religious grounds.After pro-gambling former Premier Ewart Brown’s failure to get legislation through the House of Assembly, Ms Cox announced the ultimate decision will be up to the public.One vocal supporter of gaming, Island Restaurant Group president Philip Barnett, welcomed the chance for residents to have their say.“I know a lot of people who have strong feelings both ways on it,” said Mr Barnett.“I believe it is an opportunity to certainly appeal to individuals who come to Bermuda, whether leisure tourists or business visitors, to add to what they might enjoy.”Mr Barnett whose group owns a number of bars in the Front Street area, said gambling could help reverse a continuing decline in trade.“We hear many times there’s not a lot to do when it rains,” he said. “This would give people a better perception of Bermuda: they would be able to play golf, get some live entertainment and maybe do a little bit of gambling.“I would echo many people who say it’s not a silver bullet to save tourism, but as an added amenity it is an excellent opportunity.“I believe we can do it in a way that’s classy as well as a bit different from everybody else.”Mr Barnett said casinos with table games would also create desirable jobs for dealers and croupiers, while profits from taxes could be poured into social programmes.The Referendum Act states a turnout of more than 50 percent of registered voters is required for the referendum to be valid.According to the latest Mindmaps poll on gambling for The Royal Gazette, last December, 60 percent of residents thought gambling should be legalised, with 30 percent against and the rest unsure. The only age group collectively against gaming was the over 65s.Government has not provided a timescale for a referendum, with Ms Cox telling the House of Assembly on Friday it would take place “in due course”.