Rank hypocrisy

Earlier today, I ran an errand for my mother-in-law, dropping off the Littlewoods pools entries from St. George's at Littlewoods' Hamilton office. To get there, I had to make my way through the grimy interior of the Sea Horses betting shop. It was 9am in the morning, yet already there were several punters at the tables inside, making their bets.

Can someone remind me why the Government allows these forms of gambling to continue while the ban on gaming machines is being enforced with such unsavoury vigour?

Comments

[Full Fullish on 15.08.06 at 14:49]

I couldn't agree more! I wonder how it is that these venues for gambling (Bingo included!) are deemed legal and not casino's or gambling machines?

All in all, I have to say "Complete and utter Bullshit" on this one too!

[Dr Doom on 15.08.06 at 14:51]

The difference is that government get's a cut of the action, which is what they should have done with the gaming machines. As usual they dropped the ball.

[SmokingGun on 15.08.06 at 14:57]

"The difference is that government get's a cut of the action"

And then some. I wish a reporter with a little gumption would do an in-depth investigation into just who controls and who directly benefits from these places. I for one would be interested in where the money flows and where it ends up exactly. Maybe someone's getting a little upset that others are trying to rock their boat.

[Dr Doom on 15.08.06 at 15:04]

Government gets 15% of every wager

[ace on 15.08.06 at 15:04]

I agree that this is b/s of the highest order.

What about the "Members Only" gambling club on Collector's Hill? Is that thing still open?

[Darkside on 15.08.06 at 15:06]

I trust the Government will now arrest the captains of all of the other ships that arrive in Bermuda waters with gambling machines/casinos aboard ... fair is fair!

[Darkside on 15.08.06 at 15:14]

The real issue with the ship is that Julian Hall and Llewellyn Peniston just plain rub the government the wrong way ... nuf said.

[ken on 15.08.06 at 15:18]

Darkside,

I don't know if that is particularly true, perhaps in Julian Hall's case, but Llewellyn Peniston very publicly stated his support for the PLP government prior to the 2003 election.
It would be possible for them not to value that though as both Hall and Peniston have proven quite wishy-washy when it comes to political allegiances.

[Darkside on 15.08.06 at 15:23]

Ken,
Both have stated their support of the PLP and I believe that this is well known. However, both do not sing the praises of the PLP in the key that the PLP leadership would like them to ... in fact in many cases they go so far off key that they actually (constructively?) critise the PLP ... and this is not currently tolerated by the PLP leadership.

[The Right Reverend Uncle Elvis on 15.08.06 at 16:26]

Ju'st a note. Unle's's you work in the grocery indu'stry the u'se of an apostrophe to 'signify plural's i's incorrect. Hy'sterical, ye's, but 'still incorrect, all the 'same

[Martin on 15.08.06 at 16:32]

Ace...

I live close to that club. There appears to be no activity for some time now - whereas previously you saw cars going in and out.

But heh-ho...this is Bermuda...so you never know.

[SmokingGun on 15.08.06 at 16:58]

Any Peugeots with low number license plates? ;-)

[Triforce on 15.08.06 at 17:05]

Uncle Elvis, tomatoe's, carrot's and bean's are still incorrect even if it's the grocery store putting up those tags...

But anyway. It is bizarre why some games of chance (bingo, raffle draws, C&A 4 times a year) are considered okay while others are not. Why is this? And does it explain why the proposals for national lotteries to fund sports teams has never gotten off the ground?

[JJ on 15.08.06 at 18:54]

cos the church runs bingo. not sure about the gee gees though.

[ace on 15.08.06 at 19:22]

"Ju'st a note. Unle's's you work in the grocery indu'stry the u'se of an apostrophe to 'signify plural's i's incorrect. Hy'sterical, ye's, but 'still incorrect, all the 'same"

Was that aimed at little old me? ;-)

I wasn't trying to pluralise anything though....I thought it was like the Hill OF Collectors. I guess I was wrong.

[Tim Taylor on 15.08.06 at 19:44]

Policy over gambling here has always been totally weird. As has been pointed out, bingo, betting shops, raffles and crown and anchor (don't you dare mess with that!) are fine - machines are not. I have never understood the difference. I think it's like KFC - if you're already part of the "scene". you're okay. Not exactly in tune with legislation , but "okay".

[swinging on 16.08.06 at 08:11]

I am very surprised that poker is apparently "okay" don't be surprised to see a profesionally run card room open 24/7 in the near future. I would do it myself if I was 100% sure of the legal ramifications.
It should be noted that poker is thrieving in many bars and clubs in Bermuda on a nightly bassis with some very large payout's with no cut to goverment.
It also raises the question are other table games "okay" like 3 card poker or blackjack.

[The Right Reverend Uncle Elvis on 16.08.06 at 10:47]

Ace, it wa'sn't you, it was the "get's". And it wa's all in fun. I don't know why, (as I do it my'self, all the time!) but it 'stick's out to me like a sore thumb 'sometime's.

[cigar pete on 16.08.06 at 15:37]

Because lots of people who look like them (the PLP) didn't know how to play blackjack very well and were loosing their paychecks.

[ace on 16.08.06 at 15:56]

"Ace, it wa'sn't you, it was the "get's". And it wa's all in fun. I don't know why, (as I do it my'self, all the time!) but it 'stick's out to me like a sore thumb 'sometime's."

Ahhh...okay. lol

Do you know if it is actually Collectors or Collector's Hill, out of curiousity?

[Ali on 16.08.06 at 16:28]

Limey, you make the mistake of expecting something consistent or logical from this government.

[enigma on 16.08.06 at 22:44]

An interesting post. Gambling is coming once all the 'principals' have everything in place to ensure that the correct pockets are suitably lined.

Watch the old 'Club Med' development and our mystery devolper who suddenly usurped the late Wanda Derosa. This government is all about 'personal gain' and gambling is so deliciously tempting that they are salivating at the possibilities!

If you think staying in 7 star hotels is excessive let me tell you "you ain't seen nothing yet"