| Country: | Bahamas |
| Date: | 28 January 2013 |
| Barwidth: | 180px |
| Part1 Subject: | Do you support the regulation and taxation of Web Shop gaming? |
| Part1 Choice1: | For |
| Part1 Percentage1: | 39.29 |
| Part1 Choice2: | Against |
| Part1 Percentage2: | 60.71 |
| Part2 Subject: | Do you support the establishment of a National Lottery? |
| Part2 Choice1: | For |
| Part2 Percentage1: | 40.44 |
| Part2 Choice2: | Against |
| Part2 Percentage2: | 59.56 |
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]
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.
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]
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| For | 32,533 | 39.29 |
| Against | 50,270 | 60.71 |
| Invalid/blank votes | – | |
| Total | 82,803 | 100 |
| align=left colspan=3 | Source: Bahamas Local |
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| For | 32,850 | 40.44 |
| Against | 48,389 | 59.56 |
| Invalid/blank votes | – | |
| Total | 81,239 | 100 |
| align=left colspan=3 | Source: Bahamas Local |