After landing its first brick-and-mortar casino, the V.I. Casino Control Commission is now exploring the billion-dollar world of cyberspace gambling .
On Nov. 16 and 17, the CCC is hosting an Internet gaming seminar at St. Croix’s Cormorant Hotel. Commission chairwoman Eileen Petersen said experts from Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Antigua will discuss the pros and cons of the burgeoning industry, which Internet research firms have estimated will generate $3 billion by 2002.
While Petersen acknowledged that Internet gambling could be a major revenue source for the local government and a profitable business venture, she urged members of the community, particularly senators, to do their homework on the issue to learn about "the benefits and pitfalls associated" with it.
"Countries throughout the gaming world are currently struggling to deal with the ramifications of the accessibility of Internet gaming," she said, noting that the territory’s Caribbean neighbor Antigua sanctions Internet gaming businesses.
On-line gambling varies from sites where people can bet on sports to traditional casino games like blackjack, slots and poker. Most of the sites are operated outside the U.S.
Australia, Antigua, Greece and Monte Carlo have legalized on-line gambling. In 1998, Australia became the first large country to develop and enact a player-protection act. In Antigua, operators of Internet gambling sites are subject to a background check and a licensing fee.
In the U.S., however, Congress is debating whether on-line gaming should be made illegal. The concerns include the availability of gambling to children and teens, the problems posed for adults with gambling addictions and the opportunity for illegal activity such as money-laundering and fraud.
Petersen urged all concerned residents in the territory to attend the informational seminar. Her own mind is open, she said: "I’m not making a statement pro or con until after the conference."
The seminar will begin on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and continue to 4 p.m. On Friday the hours will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information call 773-3616.
