Gaming regulators are mulling measures to ban persons receiving welfare benefits as part of a package of reforms that would also eliminate discrimination against Bahamians playing in hotel casinos if approved.

Officials from the Gaming Board, speaking yesterday at the Caribbean Gaming Conference, said they are also studying the possible removal of restrictions that presently disqualify Cabinet ministers and their relatives from working in the sector or holding a gaming licence provided the regulator is satisfied there is no conflict of interest.

Ian Tynes, the Gaming Board’s secretary, confirmed that banning recipients of welfare and social security benefits from gaming is “a consideration” to protect vulnerable families and prevent irresponsible members from driving them further into poverty.