Weeks after the Gaming Authority Bill was tabled in Parliament to strengthen oversight of Guyana’s rapidly expanding gambling industry, several gaming businesses have approached the Government with a proposal to close their physical betting shops, and transition to online operations. The official said that this proposal comes as some operators met with some members of the Opposition recently. The official added that the proposal made by the operators has found much favour with the Government. The move follows months of lobbying by religious organisations and other groups concerned about the impact of gambling on vulnerable individuals, families and rural communities. Those concerns have centred on issues such as gambling addiction, financial hardship, and the broader social effects associated with the industry’s rapid growth.