Dr Wheatley made the statements during a Friday, September 23, 2022, press briefing where he detailed that even as the Virgin Islands Gaming and Betting Control Act, 2020, is now a law, the Gaming and Betting Control Commission is yet to be established.

“The Commission hasn’t been formed as yet. It’s something that we’re taking a look at. We haven't decided to move too quickly with it, it's something I want to take a good look at Before we move forward with it,” he said.

On September 14, 2022, a notice from the Premier’s Office, indicated that any person operating any casino, gaming and/or betting operations within the Virgin Islands should take note of the laws.

Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says that he while he is sure that gambling is taking place in the VI, he has no specific knowledge of the activity nor has he participated.

Gambling operations warned

Casinos and betting operators are being warned against unlicensed operations in the Virgin Islands (VI) pursuant to the Virgin Islands Gaming and Betting Control Act, 2020 (“VI Gaming Act”), along with the Proceeds of Criminal Conduct Act, 1997, as amended, and the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations 2008, as amended.

When questioned on why the notice would have been issued, the Premier said it could be because gambling is active in the territory, although he has no specific case of such.

“In terms of whether persons are gambling, I'm pretty sure persons gamble in the territory. I don't have any specific knowledge of it or participation in it, I should say. But I've heard that people tend to gamble in the territory, so perhaps maybe that's why the notice has gone out."

The notice also stated that pursuant to section 29 of the Virgin Islands Gaming and Betting Control Act, 2020, a person shall not participate in any aspect of the gaming and betting sectors without first acquiring the necessary license from the Gaming and Betting Control Commission (“Commission”).

It said, based on the VI Gaming Act, any person undertaking gaming and/or betting operations or providing facilities of any kind for betting or gaming without a license commits an offense.