A few days ago, an announcement from the Cayman Islands government indicated that it was preparing to crack down on illegal gambling in the country. It is said to be drafting legislation that would exponentially increase fines for any illegal gambling-related activity, bringing up to date rules that have gone unchanged since the 1960s. However, at least one political official believes that the move will not address the actual problem.

Opposition leader Ezzard Miller indicates that he will not support the government’s attempts to amend the country’s gambling law because it’s a “draconian” move that will meet a number of challenges. Instead of adding more penalties to prevent illegal gambling, the country needs to move forward and legalize certain gaming activity and license lotteries. The increase of fines is only going to push gambling further underground, not make the problem go away.

Miller further asserts that it will be difficult to enforce the new fines and could lead to “selective enforcement.” He points to the prevalence of online gambling and participation in U.S.-based and local lotteries, even if they’re not legal.

The lawmaker also shows how local gas stations in the country are already running lottery promotions that, in theory, are illegal. However, no one has been arrested for either organizing or playing the lotteries.