Bermuda will allow the operation of casinos within existing and new hotels in the territory in order to "enhance our tourism infrastructure,” said Shawn Crockwell, Bermuda’s tourism minister at a press conference Thursday.

Casinos have previously been barred from the country.

Crockwell has long been a supporter of casino gaming as a means of reversing Bermuda’s flagging tourist arrival numbers and promised to establish a public referendum within a year of his assuming office in December 2012.

Crockwell said Thursday the government has decided to instead to implement approval after “recent polling results” indicate 70 percent of Bermuda residents favor the legalization of casino gaming as a means of generating local employment and revenues.

He said Bermuda’s government will establish a public education program this month to outline its “goals, objectives and measurable outcomes associated with casino gaming.”

Although the government has decided to proceed with casino gaming, Bermuda residents will still “have a voice in this process,” said Crockwell. “There is a great deal of misinformation out there about the casino gaming industry and what we as the government plan to implement here in Bermuda,” he said in Bermuda Royal Gazette report on the decision.

“We want to hear everyone’s view on this issue. During the public education period, we will share the data we have collected which will include the potential economic benefits, potential social risks and how to mitigate against those risks.”

Bermuda residents will be encouraged to provide ideas and feedback through a dedicated website, and the government will also hold six town hall meetings on the casino gaming issue beginning Feb. 6.

“Casino gaming is not a panacea but a much needed amenity for our tourism product,” said Crockwell. “We must augment our tourism offerings and we must enhance our tourism infrastructure.”

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