Historic 'gambling legislation' passed in HoA

Email this Article

In a historic move for the Virgin Islands, legislation has been passed in the House of Assembly (HoA) to allow regulated gambling in the Virgin Islands, effectively paving the way for Parimutuel Wagering and casinos to be established in the Territory. Photo: Cox HS Hub

Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has said, with the passing of gambling legislation, the Territory will have access to a much needed new revenue stream. Photo: VINO/File

DUFF’S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- In a historic move for the Virgin Islands, legislation has been passed in the House of Assembly (HoA) to allow regulated gambling in the Territory, effectively paving the way for Parimutuel Wagering, lotteries, and casinos to be established.

The Virgin Islands Gaming and Betting Control Act 2020 was passed without dissent at the Ninth Sitting of the Second session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff's Bottom, Tortola, this evening, June 18, 2020.

A Gov’t of boldness & action

It is another bold move by the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government of Andrew A. Fahie (R1), who continues to move ahead with promised legislation and policies, including Consumer Protection Act and the regularisation of expatriates who had lived and worked for many years in the Territory.

Gambling legislation has been talked about for more than 20 years but no Government before now had the fortitude to bring it forward.

Premier Fahie has said gambling has always been happening in the Territory but the Government is merely moving it from illegal to legal.

He also said the Territory will now have access to a much needed new revenue stream.

More details to follow.

51 Responses to “Historic 'gambling legislation' passed in HoA”

New name who this (18/06/2020, 23:09) Like (20) Dislike (19) Reply
Guess we rename this to launderers paradise and done
- HMMM (18/06/2020, 23:49) Like (11) Dislike (27) Reply
  Go back down the island if you don’t like it
  - Call a racist a racist (19/06/2020, 00:21) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Strupes, I am calling you!
  - Illiterate inbred (19/06/2020, 06:29) Like (24) Dislike (3) Reply
    YOU HAVE TO BE THE DIARRHOEA END OF A JACKA$$ TO BE RUNNING YOU MOUTH LIKE THAT! EVERY DISAGREEMENT IS NOT FROM A (DOWN ISLAND MAN) YOU SIMPLE FILTHY MINDED INBRED FOOL PROBABLY STILL THURSTING FOR YOUR SISTER.
    Alot of so-called island men and women care more for your puny island and its environment than alot of locals...FACTS.
    - Mr.gage (19/06/2020, 08:31) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      @ILLITERATE IMBRED couldn't have said it better
- Lipidee (19/06/2020, 03:49) Like (12) Dislike (5) Reply
  Google money laundering / Cyril Romney and the FBI files , island boys cartel, Murphy and the Jersey/ BVI money laundering operations of the 80s and 90s when Cyril was the director of the SHAM companies . Nothing new here
  - @Lipidee (19/06/2020, 10:45) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    This place is rampant with laundering. It is not even being hidden. Right there in plain view for all to see.
    - Lipidee (19/06/2020, 11:09) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ - @lipidee
      
      That being the case , arrogant and pious posturing have no place - just calling A spade By it’s name and uprooting these thorny bushes ..one at a time
great (18/06/2020, 23:09) Like (15) Dislike (15) Reply
Yes time for the bvi to get with the program we are not back in the days get with the modern world. Great move
Hmm (18/06/2020, 23:10) Like (8) Dislike (21) Reply

Great income I hope It don’t attract to much i***** people to come up here and live now
- Lipidee (19/06/2020, 03:14) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
  Remember- I.......... people ONLY make it INTO the BVI when businesses OWNED by LOCALS submit false information to the labour department requesting permits for said I....... people. This is usually possible by scenarios like when prominent CONTRACTORS ADMIT to not hiring locals “by the look of them!”
  
  Not once has an I....... person sat in their country, seen an ad in the BVI newspapers, called LIAT or Star Trek/ SCOTTIE / JEAN-LUC PICARD to BEAM themselves here.
  
  Gtfoh
- Who can (19/06/2020, 06:18) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
  Stupid comment. If here opens up for things like casinos and them things u dont think the investors bringing a few people with them. There has to be a give and take. Fear mongering like this is what locks the doors from potential investors. The caribbean is ripe with competition stop being an a-hole with this down island rhetoric and contribute meaningfully. Tired ah u now. And yes I'm an island person living here over 20 years.
  - BVIlanders? (19/06/2020, 08:23) Like (12) Dislike (10) Reply
    You really think locals gonna take jobs in the casino? Whos going to do the janitorial work? Whos gonna do the dishwashing, cooking, bartending, valet parking? Locals??? Not a chance any local wants that work. Local man only wants big money job.
Well Sah (18/06/2020, 23:10) Like (22) Dislike (10) Reply
Pastors vex now messing with them offering
Awesome (18/06/2020, 23:15) Like (7) Dislike (11) Reply
Every other place have it except we good love bvi this could make us a tourism hotspot we need a big casino here bvi will make millions like never before
Minister Turnbul (18/06/2020, 23:19) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
thank you
Peaches (18/06/2020, 23:23) Like (10) Dislike (42) Reply
Lord have mercy on the British Virgin Islands!! This Premier always calling on God and look at the outcome!! Andrew, you need to make up your mind whether you are on the devil's side or the Lord's side.
- wise one (21/06/2020, 10:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
  
  In my opinion, people living in Tortola are s****d people. First, I wish they would learn to spell and then think before they write. At least it won't be boring when I come home.
.... (18/06/2020, 23:49) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
Look tax on the local domino tournaments now lol
DON Q (18/06/2020, 23:58) Like (28) Dislike (5) Reply
The vip government is courageous
tola (19/06/2020, 00:09) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
About time now yassss
Laundromat (19/06/2020, 00:45) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
Goodbye to rental, trucking and boating. I have a new way to clean things up ;-)
Curfew (19/06/2020, 02:10) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
Curfew still have to go even though i for the gambling.
Ghost (19/06/2020, 06:27) Like (11) Dislike (16) Reply
This move maybe seen as good to boost our economy from a financial point of view, but it’s a Wrong sinful move!..this move will further weaken the bands of us being a “Christian” Society.. The fall out from this will also lead to increase crimes in our territory And a further decline in Morality, but I pray not..May God be with Us as a people..
- Lipidee (19/06/2020, 08:20) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
  Christian society yes... but open gambling ticket sales for decades now in front of prominent land marks - I doubt a politician has ever gotten upset about it, called the commissioner to do something about it etc.
  
  Vagina openly for sale by fire station each day and night and not a MAN able to stop it. I don’t her the fiery sermons address it directly but always ready for the Bars and strip clubs. Nobody can stop the open Vagina sales right next to the former house of assembly and major high school . FACTS!!!
  
  Impotent policing of the major buy full regalia for the minor . Typical BVI.
We Progressing (19/06/2020, 06:39) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
NDP was a gross failure....All these things VIP doing they should have done...Carona Virus will not go away..( We just need to open up our ports even for regional travellers, Wonder why we kept underestimating the spending power of regional tourist.) Carona will be around as long as 5G is around....Because according to the Italy reserch it gets it energy from the 5G Radiation..Thats why.All over the world 5G Towers are burnt or taken down...Thats Why we in the Caribbean with no 5G out recovery rate is 99.5%... The News not telling you that.....The news pushing what WHO want them to push.... fear is their game..Vaccine is their mission.
Why (19/06/2020, 06:49) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
stop pointing fingers at others because when you sit and look in a mirror it is our own people that have a set of issues when an idea comes to assist with developing our own little island: noel lloyd park was an issue, one man actually laid down in front of the machine: when work began on the recreation ground some had issues: the pier park some had lots of chatter: the development of the duel carriageway was an problem for some. yes its you i am talking 2; cant U see every other nationality come in 2 our territory and develop they selves socially and economically while the sons and daughters of the soil busy pulling down. our latest edition, let's boycott VINO because the house nigger/field nigga mentality is still fully functional in the year 2020
Truth Sayer (19/06/2020, 07:12) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
I hope BVI does not regret this and I hope that we have the personnel to do the policing to ensure that money laundering will not reign supreme because of this.
Sell out (19/06/2020, 07:25) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply

We keep selling out our country for the least
just a concern (19/06/2020, 07:31) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
i trust this administration will not give away this product to foreign investors because the flood gate will open now with all manner of companies wanting to establish casinos in the british virgin islands: the charter boat industry is gone so please allow local entrepreneurs this opportunity
- TORTOLIAN (19/06/2020, 10:50) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
  I DO AGREE THAT LOCAL SHOULD BE IN THE FOREFRONT BUT WE DON'T LIKE TO SPEND MONEY TO MAKE MONEY WE LIKE TO SEE OUR BANK ACCOUNT LOOKING FAT.
  - concern (19/06/2020, 14:18) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    @ tortolian: loud and clear/roger that:
    well offer an opportunity first and if we fail to capitalize then look else where...life must go on
... (19/06/2020, 07:33) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
lets get the party started the VIP government got balls
Not All (19/06/2020, 07:36) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
The government is going to do what they feel is right. Everyone will not like every move but every one has to live with their decisions.
sad day (19/06/2020, 08:22) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
So now we need to change the BVI Motto.
freedom (19/06/2020, 08:43) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
This is what is needed to break free from the UK, a fourth pillar that brings revenue and lots of it.
too busy (19/06/2020, 09:53) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
They all up in the house being busy busy busy and forgetting the small businesses that have been waiting for the grants promised. Form was supposed to be available Monday then told Friday thats today but now ots been pushed back yet again. The businesses that run the economy are dying while the borders are closed, if you don't want to give grants don't say you do. Just like the word "amnesty" that doesn't mean $150 off..... Open the borders if you don't want to help and let tourists back join, no COVID-19 in over a month but you got to wear a mask to get service, GTFOH
Love it from abroad (19/06/2020, 09:57) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
YESSSSS. GOVERNMENT WITH BIGGGGG BALLS!!!! Catch up with the rest of the world, and still pray.
Interesting (19/06/2020, 11:28) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
Why do I have the feeling this can turn out to be like BiWater, BVI Airways, Prospect Reef, the school wall and everything else our BVI government attempts to do in the name of progress? I am more than a little concerned we'll have more missing millions that we really can't afford. Furthermore, legalizing gambling only put your population more in debt as they try their hand at getting lucky. Please read all the studies and look hard at stats from cities and islands that have casinos. I like the idea that we are open to more industries than just tourism and finance, but tread carefully on this one; especially when the minimum wage is already so low. If this goes awry, you'll have to sell what's left of the BVI to foreign interests.
- V0TER #6 (19/06/2020, 13:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
  DiD THE GOVERNMENT SAY THEY WILL BE GAMBLING BUSINESS? I DIDNT HEAR OR READ THAT.
  - @Voter #6 (20/06/2020, 07:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Please tell me how do you envision this regulated gambling happening that will increase revenue stream? I'm curious on your thoughts, it is not an accusation.
down2earth (19/06/2020, 14:16) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
Is this our new laundromat? The clothes need washing? Who carrying whose? UK isn't giving grant, but I know they will have no problem with expanding Her Majesty's Pleasure!
bad move (19/06/2020, 14:24) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
Bad move by the government we are not the same as SXM and the other islands, people will go into debt because they will get gambling addictions. Next thing this governments going to approve is legalised whore houses. These islands are not going to be known as nature's little secrets anymore as we uses to offer a product that differs from the rest of the Caribbean. Very sad
good thing (19/06/2020, 15:23) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
BRING ON THE MEGA MILLIONS!! AND POWER BALL!!!! TAKE ALL MY MONEY PLEASEE
Listen (19/06/2020, 17:09) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
People are gambling ANYWAY... Might as well make it legitimate and enforce parameters. This is not Vatican City. Fire and Brimstone will not descend upon us.
solution (19/06/2020, 18:05) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
Don't allow locals to gamble, handle it as Monaco and Bahamas. Only visitors can gamble so money stays in the economy. Bahamas is toe to toe with the V.I in Gdp per capita, Monaco is over $100,000 gap per capita. Don't be foolish, we need money circulating.
post it (19/06/2020, 22:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
the game house almost finish build at long bush.he is ahead of the game
Royston Malobe (20/06/2020, 00:06) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
I dont agree with none of these legislation. Marijuana,gambling,betting. You shall reap what you sow.
Big Slick Willie (20/06/2020, 03:28) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
Well hell yeah. Blackjack!!!! Bring on the tables, dealers, hot waitresses, free drinks, buffets, and great times!!!!
Roulette (24/06/2020, 23:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
Gambling is a primary vehicle for money laundering. The BVI struggles to stay on the white list on compliance and transparency and it’s critical it does so to ensure the continuing viability of its incorporation and financial services industry. But now in one act, the government opens the doors to free enterprise in laundering money. How does this make sense? Even leaving that consideration aside, gambling brings corruption and crime. Is that what the BVI wants to open its doors to? Did anyone ask the people, or did government just introduce this without any consultation apart from with the horse racing community (and we know who that means).
Kayden (08/02/2021, 15:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
I think it's a great decision because people always gamble. Now it is becoming a legal process. I'm from Japan. And the casino isn't legal here. The government allows only sports betting. But people really love gambling because it helps distraction and fun. Even though online gambling is limited, Japanese gamblers are big fans of pachinko and it's legal. This is something like online video slots. Therefore, in my opinion, the gambling business should be legalized in all countries, because this will increase the country's budget revenues through taxes on the gambling business.

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.

Historic 'gambling legislation' passed in HoA

51 Responses to “Historic 'gambling legislation' passed in HoA”

Create a comment

Create a comment

Follow Us On