Virgin Islands: Committee revisits bill to combat illegal gambling
Bill 35-0179 is designed to strengthen enforcement against illegal activity.
Key Points
- The first version of the bill was drafted last December
- Since then, discussion has led to amendments to the original proposal
The Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety in the Virgin Islands recently reviewed a bill that “aims to strengthen the Virgin Islands Lottery’s enforcement tools against illegal gambling and lottery,” according to a local report from The Virgin Islands Consortium.
Senator Diane Capehart sponsored Bill 35-0179 nearly a year ago as a proposed way to combat illegal gambling throughout the region. The original version has since been amended, following “rigorous discussion.”
The bill describes illegal gambling practices as “a catalyst for violent crime” and as an enterprise that “adversely impacts the quality of life in the Virgin Islands and disrupts our neighborhoods and lawful businesses.”
If passed, all fines collected and 45% of all real and personal property forfeited would go to the V.I. Lottery. The lottery would be required to use 2% of the funds “tackle gambling addiction across the Virgin Islands.”
Those in violation of the region’s gambling law would be subject to fines of up to $1,000 and possible jail time of up to two years, according to the local report.
The Attorney General’s Office and other stakeholders “largely support” Bill 35-0179, according to the local news report.
“The influence and proliferation of illegal gaming, weapons, human trafficking and a host of other activities are at an all-time high and crippling our community,” commented V.I Lottery Director Raymond Williams.
He went on to address lawmakers by saying, “This is our collective opportunity to increase revenues in the territory by eradicating illegal activity. Just imagine all the good that can come from maintaining and sustaining these revenues locally.”
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