The Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission (BCGC) has published Casino Gaming Regulations 2018, rules the commission claims ensure “high ethical standards” for the industry. According to Economic Development and Tourism Minister Jamahl Simmons, this “first tranche” of the regulatory frame will be followed next month by the “second tranche.” Tranche is a French term for a “portion” of something, such as a slice.
The newly published regulations include provisions to protect consumers and vulnerable players and ensure that fees and taxes are collected and accounted for.
The BCGC has reportedly advertised yet again for a new executive director to fill the space that was vacated when Richard Schuetz resigned in July 2107.
The new regulations have their critics, including the shadow tourism, transport and regulatory affairs minister Leah Scott, who has predicted that gaming faces a “bleak” future in Bermuda and has previously claimed amendments to the Casino Gaming Act 2014 “neutered” the commission and made it subject to the “whims and wishes of the minister.”
Under this regime the minister can interfere with corruption investigations and give direct orders to the commission, Scott claims, a situation that led to the resignation of the last executive director: “as well as granting the minister the authority to replace commission members as and when the minister considers appropriate.”
Scott concluded, “What is clear is that we now have a non-independent commission and no viable candidate coming forth to take up the post of executive director with the commission.
Other critics of the government, besides Scott, point out that the regulations were promised several months ago, and are just now showing up in print.
The new regulations are available to be read at the BCGC’s office or on its website. The BCGC did not comment or make anyone available to comment to questions.
