Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
Reports received by The Daily Herald that a change was being made to the casino policy were confirmed by outgoing Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams during Wednesday's weekly press briefing (see related article). Answers to further inquiries from this newspaper also were provided last night by the cabinet chief of the responsible Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs Ted Richardson.
It's an interesting development especially because it regards gaming activities, always a sensitive subject. Moreover, a ceiling was placed originally by the former Island Council and subsequently Parliament on the number of so-called "standalone" casinos.
The latter obviously had to do with the threat of gambling addiction among the local population. This is also why, for example, Caravanserai Resort needed to increase its number of rooms considerably to have Dunes open there and qualify as "hotel casino," after the owner of Dolphin Casino located there before had left with his standalone licence.
Apparently this latest "expansion" of the policy was based on a petition from the airport to operate a casino in the departure hall after passing immigration, so it would be accessible only to travellers. These plans are said to be in line with the Finance Ministry's desire to seek new revenue sources for the national treasury.
A decision then supposedly was taken that the harbour also could get the possibility to have a small "floating casino" for cruise passengers only, as requested. However, the policy change is reportedly to allow not just two but rather four additional casinos; two on land and two on vessels.
While the argument of locals not being able to visit the intended casinos at both of the Dutch side's major gateways because of where they presumably will be located is certainly valid, the question still can be asked whether these additions are really necessary and desirable. The reasoning that many cruise passengers never leave the port makes sense, but wouldn't offering an onsite casino keep even more from visiting the rest of the island and patronising other types of businesses too?
Perhaps more important, isn't it true that existing casinos owe government a combined 11 million guilders in unpaid taxes and fees, and shouldn't that have priority? Also considering the potential for money-laundering in this sector, is it really a good idea at a time when St. Maarten is already under heavy scrutiny for reported integrity concerns in which the gaming industry, but also the harbour and the airport are specifically mentioned?
One thing that remains long overdue is the establishment of a Gaming Control Board (GCB), which has been talked about for years. This in any case ought to be done before any new licences are issued.
