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Legislation paving the way for casinos in Bermuda is to be introduced “without further delay” according to Tourism Minister Jamahl Simmons.

Speaking in the House of Assembly, he said former members of the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission were at fault for the delays in legislation, as reported by Games Magazine Brasil.

“Under new leadership, the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission is working with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, via the ministry my instructing the government body, to ensure these regulations are enacted without further delay,” he said.

“In fact, the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the commission have agreed que for expediency and without sacrificing due diligence in the drafting process, the prudent way forward would be to complete the drafting and enactment of the regulatory package, under the negative resolution procedure, in three phases. “

The second phase will see legislation enacted before the built casinos can be. Following the enactment of the Casino Gaming Act in 2014, the Gaming Commission initiated the three stage application process for the island’s first casinos in 2015. The Bermudan government granted two ‘designated site orders’, for four licensed integrated resort casinos to operate on the island , including one to the Hamilton Princess hotel in 2016.

In August last year international casino operator Century Casinos submitted a licence application for a casino at the Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club in Hamilton, Bermuda jointly with the company that owns the property.

The plan is for the casino to cover approximately 12,000 square feet of gaming space and feature 17 gaming tables, 200 slot machines and an automated roulette machine on its main casino floor, high limit area and salon privé.