The results of a new survey about Jamaican’s view on prohibited casino games like roulette and blackjack were revealed this week. The research, which was carried out on January 12 and 13, 2008, shows public opinion has changed compared to the last survey conducted in 2006 and support to the legalization of these games has increased an eight percent.

Bill Johnson and his team were in charge of preparing and performing the poll and they found out that only 40 percent of the 1,008 people who answered it were against the lifting of the ban on gambling, 15 per cent less than in 2006. On the other hand, 48 percent said they wanted roulette and blackjack games to be decriminalized and casinos to be allowed in the country.

The number of respondents who were not sure which side to take has also increased. In 2006, 5 percent of the people inquired answered they were neither in favor nor against the legalization of casino games while a 12 percent doubted about the subject in 2008.

The results of this report caused surprise in several groups of the Jamaican society, including the Church, a long time opponent of gambling. Reverend Karl Johnson said that, in spite of the change in public opinion, the Church would still stand its ground on the subject.