The Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission and the Office of the Governor recently confirmed the legality of the "Virgin Islands Internet Gaming Act". “This marks a turning point in the diversification of our gaming industry from land-based casinos and racinos, to internet gaming. The implementation of this Act will fulfill our mission of attracting very successful global internet gaming companies to the Virgin Islands, and encourage new investments to our struggling economy." Governor de Jongh said.
The Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission requested an opinion of the Attorney General in March of this year on the legality of the Territory’s Internet Gaming Act. In his advisory opinion to the Commission, Attorney General Vincent F. Frazer outlined the legality of the legislation, which was adopted in 2001.
Virgin Islands attorney Tom Bolt, Chair of the BoltNagi PC Government Relations Practice Group, was the primary author of the law. Bolt said he was extremely pleased that the legislation will finally be implemented, "This is great news for the Virgin Islands and gaming entrepreneurs." Bolt expressed optimism that the "Virgin Islands Internet Gaming Act" would enhance revenue and bring more employment opportunities to the U.S. Virgin Islands. "BoltNag, a full service business law firm, always welcome new businesses to the Territory," he commented.
The gaming law had been on hold due to a narrow 2004 interpretation of the federal "Interstate Wire Act of 1961" (18 U.S.C. 1064) relating in part to gambling. The Act’s questionable status ended when the Acting Chairman of the Virgin Islands Casino Commission revived the issue. The decision helps the U.S. Virgin Islands attain a significant position nationally, as now only three U.S. jurisdictions have implemented Internet Gambling. The Virgin Islands is the first U.S. Territory to enact an internet gaming statute. “The Virgin Islands is open for business and the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission will begin to implement the act immediately,” Governor deJongh noted.
The BoltNagi Government Relations Practice Group welcomes inquiries about the new gaming law and how businesses may take advantage of the new law. BoltNagi PC, one of the largest law firms in the United States Virgin Islands, has attorneys with the skills and business experience to assist companies—whether in regulatory legal or operational gaming issues. Contact Tom Bolt, Chair of the BoltNagi PC, Government Relations Practice Group today to discuss your business concerns and receive sound, authoritative advice on issues concerning intenet gaming issues in the United States Virgin Islands.