2013 Bahamian gambling referendum

none Bahamas 28 January 2013 180px Do you support the regulation and taxation of Web Shop gaming? For 39.29 Against 60.71 Do you support the establishment of a National Lottery? For 40.44 Against 59.56 A referendum on legalising web shops and establishing a national lottery was held in the Bahamas on 28 January 2013.Bahamas prepares two-part referendum that seeks to legalize gamblingNovember 2024 medicmedic The Washington Post, 3 January 2013 Both proposals were rejected by voters.Voters in Bahamas Reject Gambling Referendum ABC News, 28 January 2013 Background Gambling is currently illegal for Bahamian citizens. However, illegal gambling establishments known as "web shops" allow betting on American lottery numbers. The referendum had been a campaign promise of the Progressive Liberal Party prior to the 2012 general elections.A Charter for Governance Progressive Liberal Party 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. 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. Results Do you support the regulation and taxation of Web Shop gaming?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 ChoiceVotes%For32,53339.29Against50,27060.71Invalid/blank votes –Total82,803100Source: Bahamas Local Do you support the establishment of a National Lottery? ChoiceVotes%For32,85040.44Against48,38959.56Invalid/blank votes –Total81,239100Source: Bahamas Local References Category:2013 referendums Category:2013 in the Bahamas Category:Referendums in the Bahamas Category:Gambling referendums