Overview: Bill 36-0076, "An Act repealing title 25 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 17, section 501 and amending title 32 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 21 by adding an article XVII relating to cruise ship gaming in the territorial waters of the Virgin Islands", was introduced on January 15, 2025.
Purpose and Intent: The bill aims to legalize and regulate cruise ship gaming within the territorial waters of the Virgin Islands. By repealing the existing prohibition on cruise ship gaming and adding a new article to the Virgin Islands Code, the bill seeks to establish a framework for the operation and oversight of this industry.
Key Provisions:
- Repeals the current prohibition on cruise ship gaming in the Virgin Islands
- Adds a new article to the Virgin Islands Code to regulate and oversee cruise ship gaming operations
- Establishes licensing requirements, operational standards, and revenue sharing mechanisms for cruise ship gaming
Affected Parties and Impacts:
- Cruise ship operators, who will be able to offer gaming activities to their passengers within the Virgin Islands' territorial waters
- The Virgin Islands government, which will receive a share of the revenue generated from cruise ship gaming
- The local tourism industry, which may benefit from increased visitor spending and economic activity
Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
The bill has been introduced and is currently in the legislative process. If passed, the new regulatory framework for cruise ship gaming will be implemented, potentially leading to the introduction of these activities in the Virgin Islands' territorial waters.