Tourism Minister Shawn Crockwell, Attorney General Mark Pettingill, and a technical officer from the AG’s chambers have flown to Singapore on a gambling fact-finding mission.

The trio are in Asia this week to take a first-hand look at the country’s Integrated Casino Resort Model ahead of the possible introduction of gaming in Bermuda.

Due back on Saturday, the trip comes on the back of Mr Crockwell’s pledge to proceed with the resort casinos typically found in places such as Aruba and Singapore, rather than the ‘strand-alone casino model’.

“In order to provide Bermuda the opportunity to benefit from Singapore’s success, myself, the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, together with a technical officer, are in Singapore this week,” said the Minister.

“We will be meeting with various Government ministries, agencies and individuals to discuss legislative and regulatory structure, and various aspects of gaming that would be best suited to a successful gaming model for Bermuda. We will also have an opportunity to examine the societal impact of the their model.

“We are confident that our attention to the Singaporean model will preserve Bermuda’s profile as a reputable international business jurisdiction on the international stage, as we pursue this exciting opportunity to rejuvenate our economy.”

While noting that casino gaming “is not a panacea but a much needed amenity for our tourism product” he reiterated that Bermuda “must augment our tourism offerings and we must enhance our tourism infrastructure”.

“The data shows that with the implementation of responsible and well regulated casino gaming we can attract new high-end hotel brands and additional hotel inventory,” said Mr Crockwell.

“Casino gaming will bring hotel investors to the island which will lead to Bermudian jobs and provide a needed boost to the Bermudian economy. We will continue to keep the public informed and provide them with how gaming will work in Bermuda during our public education campaign that will begin next week.”