The changes come as global gaming continues to gain in popularity
The US Virgin Islands is making strides toward modernizing its gambling laws, with a renewed focus on legalizing internet gaming and sports betting. This follows more than 20 years of inactivity on the territory’s online gambling framework, despite legislation on the books since 2001.
A recent summit held at Carambola Beach Resort brought together officials from the VI Casino Control Commission (CCC), senators, international consultants, and industry experts to discuss the necessary updates to outdated gaming laws. The push to revisit these regulations comes amid a broader national trend that began after the US Supreme Court’s 2018 decision allowing states and territories to regulate sports betting.
CCC Chair Marvin Pickering emphasized the urgency of modernizing the territory’s gaming infrastructure, calling it one of his top priorities since taking office. He stressed that the territory is missing out on substantial economic opportunities from industries like online poker, slots, and sports betting.
At the summit, Gaming Laboratories International offered insight into how other jurisdictions regulate digital gaming, while The Innovation Group outlined the potential financial benefits. Their analysis also covered concerns like problem gambling and how internet gaming might affect existing land-based casinos on St. Croix.
Some senators voiced support, noting the potential for job creation and new revenue streams beyond tourism. Others expressed concern about the risks to vulnerable populations and emphasized the need for careful legislation to protect the community.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and other officials argued that if gambling is already happening informally, the government should be part of the process and benefit from it. He suggested linking new revenues to public services such as healthcare and infrastructure.
Next steps include public engagement and finalizing proposed amendments before sending them to the Legislature. If passed, the updated laws would establish licensing frameworks and enable legal digital betting platforms across the territory.
