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Throne Speech: VI Gaming & Betting Act (2020) to be improved

- Gov Pruce says gaming & betting activities will then begin in 'earnest'
Improvements to the Virgin Islands Gaming and Betting Act 2020 is scheduled to be made some time during the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly. Photo: Internet Source
Governor Daniel Pruce has said regulations will be made so licensing and enforcement of the law for legal operation of businesses to engage in gaming and betting activities in the Territory can begin in earnest. Photo: YouTube
Governor Daniel Pruce has said regulations will be made so licensing and enforcement of the law for legal operation of businesses to engage in gaming and betting activities in the Territory can begin in earnest. Photo: YouTube
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Improvements to the Virgin Islands Gaming and Betting Act 2020 are to be made during the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA).

Governor Daniel Pruce made the announcement in the Speech from the Throne on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, which marked the beginning of the new session of the HoA.

The Gaming and Betting Control Act establishes the framework for a regulated gaming industry including the Commission to oversee activities in the industry, he explained.

This falls under the second National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) Goals- the economy- as the HoA uses this session to focus on moving these goals forward.

Controversial act

The Gaming and Betting Control Act was passed in 2020 during the Ninth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth HoA.

It was then described as part of the Territory’s push into economic diversification. However, it did not pass without controversy as religious groups expressed their disapproval.

Former Premier Andrew A. Fahie, under whose leadership the act was passed, had reminded the Virgin Islands that like gaming, alcohol is an industry; however, drunkenness is not promoted in the Virgin Islands and that the consumption of alcohol is still a choice.

Improved Act

Meanwhile, Governor Pruce said this year, 2025, steps will be taken to improve the effectiveness of the act, and the legal mandate of the Commission will be initiated.

“Regulations will be made so licensing and enforcement of the law for legal operation of businesses to engage in gaming and betting activities in the Territory can begin in earnest,” Governor Pruce stated.

9 Responses to “Throne Speech: VI Gaming & Betting Act (2020) to be improved”

  • ... (08/01/2025, 08:02) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Everybody selling numbers so why wait
  • Cindy (08/01/2025, 08:29) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    More talk
  • Observer (08/01/2025, 08:50) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    What possible benefit might gaming provide to the BVI? That Fat Albert endorsed it makes me skeptical. It increases the risk that those who can least afford it further neglect their family responsibilities.
  • Gambling (08/01/2025, 09:51) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    For gambling is what it is, “gaming” is a euphemism, is the Devils own work. Brings nothing but trouble, crime and misery. It would ruin the BVI if allowed.
  • hmm (08/01/2025, 13:45) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The gambling and betting happening regardless of if it legal or not. Hurry up get ayo self together so at least the government can be in a position to collect some tax and do something good for the place with the money collected.
    • lmao (08/01/2025, 16:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Hilarious comment. "the government can be in a position to collect some tax and do something good for the place with the money collected"...like they currently do already, right?!

      Yall DILUSIONAL!!!
      • LOL (08/01/2025, 17:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        I mean the retards running the place probably still won’t do nothing good with the gambling tax money but it might keep them off of us with coming up with some new stupid tax that affects everybody because they want more money to waste. They bragging on that 100m loan just wait till it spend off and needs to be paid back and none of our problems still not fixed.
  • Me (08/01/2025, 18:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes hurry up, I can't wait for Poweball and MegaMillions lottery to play here.

  • Rizzo (08/01/2025, 18:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don't gamble and I don't like the idea of gambling but I cool with it if it's heavily taxed and the money goes towards building our infrastructure.


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