Christian Leader Recognizes Existence of Gambling Double Standard
Christian officials often decry the evils of gambling while imploring parishioners to participate in church bingo. But Patrick Paul, president of the Bahamian Christian Council, admits laws allowing bingo and raffles while outlawing casino gambling set up a double standard.
Paul told an interviewer on Bahamian radio that it's unfair that churches organize games of chance while citizens are forbidden to play at the country's casinos.
"I think to some degree that should be considered," said Reverend Paul, when asked if gambling should be legalized and regulated. "I do believe that there has to be some degree of regulation."
Paul warned that gambling can become a slippery slope, but he admitted the freedom of religious groups to organize bingo games and raffles needs control, while casinos may deserve looser law.
While Gaming Reform Chairman Sidney Strachan says there is a need to "end the discrimination that prohibits Bahamians" from gambling in their own country while allowing tourists to play, others are asking the issue be placed on a ballot.
"I think that we ought to have a referendum and let the people decide," said National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest in an interview with The Nassau Guardian.
