Govt losing out due to absence of pari-mutuel betting- caller
On the show aired last evening, October 2, 2012 on a local radio station, the caller stated that horse racing is one of the biggest sports in the Virgin Islands (VI) and has the potential to earn lots of revenue for government through taxation. He also felt that talk of not allowing pari-mutuel betting for horse racing in the VI because of a predominantly Christian community was unreasonable.
The caller expressed to Host, Douglas Wheatley, that he had phoned into the NDP radio programme on the previous evening and spoke to Premier, Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith about his concerns but felt “bad” after it appeared that he was completely ignored when there was no mention of what he had asked about.
“We as a country are suffering financially… it wouldn't hurt to have another avenue where we can bring in some revenue,” he expressed.
The caller said government was searching for ways to make money but felt that “we have horse racing just sitting there” and that pari-mutuel betting would help to alleviate this concern.
“I don’t want to be too harsh,” he said while adding that Persons were fully aware of where the prostitution and gambling houses were. “What else can it bring that isn't already here?” he asked while relating that he thought it was a double standard to have "other things" and not allow pari-mutuel betting.
The caller also expressed that that all stakeholders could get something out of the implementation of the betting system.
Mr. Wheatley responded by noting that the issue was raised “many, many times” before.
He expressed that his understanding was that consideration was already being made for the implementation of the system and felt it was only a matter of time before this was done.
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