- The U.S. Virgin Islands is preparing to legalize online sports betting and internet casino gaming, ending more than two decades of legislative dormancy.
ST. CROIX – The Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission (CCC) hosted a gaming summit Thursday at the Carambola Beach Resort, where officials, consultants, and senators gathered to discuss long-overdue updates to the territory’s internet gaming laws.
“This has been on my radar since I joined the Commission in late 2020,” said CCC Chair Marvin Pickering. “We are developing a modern, responsible, and transparent regulatory framework.”
While the VI legalized internet gambling in 2001, the law was never implemented. Now, with 39 U.S. jurisdictions having adopted legal sports betting, the CCC is aiming to do the same for the Virgin Islands.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. emphasized that Virgin Islands sports betting is already occurring among residents and tourists.
“If we have these industries operating in our community, why isn’t the government getting a piece of the action?” he said, calling for new revenues to support mental health care, infrastructure, and elder services.
The Commission is working with Gaming Laboratories International to review current statutes and The Innovation Group to assess economic potential.
Moving Forward With Caution
“Internet gambling is also a billion-dollar industry, and the territory isn’t realizing those benefits,” said Pickering. “Then people could pull out their phones and start to bet.”
Senators expressed support but urged caution. Senate President Milton Potter called for “responsible” implementation. Meanwhile, Senator Kurt Vialet stressed protecting jobs at St. Croix’s two casinos.
The next steps for the USVI include gathering public feedback and introducing updated legislation. Once passed, the Commission plans to license mobile sports betting apps and infrastructure providers.
