Casinos in Bermuda

Although many vacationers look forward to it when they plan a trip to the Caribbean, casino gambling it not a permitted pastime in Bermuda. Despite many attempts to legalize casinos on the island, even as recently as early 2010, support against having casinos seems to be stronger than support for them.

Casino-style gambling machines were once popular at many bars and restaurants in Bermuda, but were outlawed in 2004. This does not mean, however, that gambling does not exist on the island. Though it is frowned upon, sports gambling is legal, and it is estimated that during the United States NFL season over $350 thousand in bets are placed.

Proposals to bring casinos to the island come about every few years, with supporters citing the increased revenue from tourists who enjoy the pasttime. The idea is always shot down on the grounds of corruption and morality. For a brief time in 2009, cruise ships docked in Bermuda were allowed to open their on board cruise ships to the public, however this was quickly banned, with government opponents afraid that people in the casino would not spend money on the island if the option of a casino were there.

While casino gambling may not be an option, there are plenty of other activities that guests can partake in while in Bermuda.  Watersports such as snorkeling and diving offer thrills in a different relm, while dancing the night away with a drink in hand at a local nightclub might provide the same sense of excitement that visiting a casino evokes. 

If you yearn for the thrill of rolling the dice, Bermuda may not be for you, but most likely you won't even notice that the casinos are missing from the beautiful landscape. Because the casino debate has been on-going for years, it highly possible that in the years to come the law against them will change. For now, however, vacationers will have to find thrill and excitement elsewhere on the island, a task that isn't hard to do.