The chairman of the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission has been listed as one of the top 25 figures in gaming to watch by an industry publication.

An article in the January edition of Global Gaming Business Magazine noted Bermuda’s recent move towards introducing casinos to the Island, and Alan Dunch’s work in setting up the framework.

Mr Dunch told the magazine that he hoped the regulations would be in place soon, saying that the Island was not looking to drag out the regulatory process.

“I’m hoping to have regulations concerning potential casino sites in place very soon,” he is quoted as saying.

“Then I’m hopeful that the bulk of the regulations that will enable us to accept applications will be in place by the end of the first quarter this year.

“If all goes according to plan, I hope we can begin to accept applications for licences by the end of the second quarter of 2016.”

He told the magazine that several existing hotels may be interested in bidding for casino licences, but the priority would be what was best for Bermuda.

“We will look at all of the applications and judge them according to their own merit,” he said. “The first casinos to be developed in Bermuda are important. They have to get it right and we have to get it right.”