2013 Bahamian gambling referendum
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| Do you support the regulation and taxation of Web Shop gaming? | ||
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| Do you support the establishment of a National Lottery? | ||
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 Caribbean portal |
A referendum on legalising web shops and establishing a national lottery was held in the Bahamas on 28 January 2013.[1] Both proposals were rejected by voters.[2]
Background
Gambling is currently illegal for Bahamian citizens. However, illegal gambling establishments known as "web shops" allow betting on American lottery numbers.[1] The referendum had been a campaign promise of the Progressive Liberal Party prior to the 2012 general elections.[3] After winning the elections, plans were announced in Parliament on 1 November 2012 to hold a referendum on legalising web shops on 3 December. However, on 16 November a further announcement was made that the national lottery question would also be asked and a new date of 28 January 2013 was proposed.[4]
Legalising and regulating the web shops was supported by Prime Minister Perry Christie, who claimed it could raise $20 million a year in tax revenues. However, religious groups opposed the move.[1]
Results
Do you support the regulation and taxation of Web Shop gaming?[4]
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| For | 32,533 | 39.29 |
| Against | 50,270 | 60.71 |
| Invalid/blank votes | – | |
| Total | 82,803 | 100 |
| Source: Bahamas Local | ||
Do you support the establishment of a National Lottery?[4]
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| For | 32,850 | 40.44 |
| Against | 48,389 | 59.56 |
| Invalid/blank votes | – | |
| Total | 81,239 | 100 |
| Source: Bahamas Local | ||
References
- ^ a b c Bahamas prepares two-part referendum that seeks to legalize gambling[dead link] The Washington Post, 3 January 2013
- ^ Voters in Bahamas Reject Gambling Referendum ABC News, 28 January 2013
- ^ A Charter for Governance Progressive Liberal Party
- ^ a b c National Address on a Referendum to ascertain Bahamian support for the regulation and taxation of Web Shop Gaming and the establishment of a National Lottery Government of Bahamas
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