The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Prime Minister Christie said recently that his government is looking into holding a referendum on gambling. In my view, this is a smoke screen. If Bahamians vote no for the referendum on gambling, which prime minister will have the nerve to close down the web shops especially given our current economic climate? Please pray tell me.

Unemployment in New Providence is at 15.2 per cent and still over 20 per cent in Grand Bahama. The numbers business employs thousands of Bahamians. These workers range from general managers,  supervisors, accountants,  network technicians, cashiers and security officers. Because this industry is unregulated the government cannot provide an accurate figure for the revenue that is injected yearly into the economy,  but a safe assumption is in the tens of millions of dollars.

The fact of the matter is that no government will cause gambling in the Bahamas to cease and Bahamians who are against gambling will only engage in idle discussion with no action. Gambling has become a part of our culture and despite the fact that most players do not win, many Bahamians have profited from catching the three or four ball.

One dollar straight will give you $900 in the three ball and $1 straight will give you $5,000 in the four ball. With these odds in place do you really think Bahamians will stop gambling? The numbers game in the Bahamas is here to stay whether we like it or not. Next question…?

DEHAVILLAND MOSS

Nassau,

July 1, 2012.