The 21 casinos licensed by the Tourism Company of Puerto Rico have contributed US$314 million to the island’s economy this financial year. This represents growth in the sector of 2.02% from the previous period. The information was released by Terestella González Denton, executive director of the Tourism Company, at the annual convention in San Juan of the Hotel and Tourism Association of Puerto Rico.

According to Gonzalez Denton, the casino division of the tourism sector provides nearly 7,000 direct and indirect jobs, which represents a payroll of some US$85 million. For an economy that has been in recession since early 2006 the casino industry is an important source of revenue. It is the main source of income for the Tourism Development Fund and directly benefits the University of Puerto Rico and the Exchequer.

The Tourism Chief commented that over the year there had been 30 operations against illegal slot machine businesses. In March this year the Tourism Company reported that illegal gaming in Puerto Rico was moving millions of dollars each year and that a task force to combat the problem was being assembled. Gonzalez Denton also said that an understanding had been reached with the Department of Health that support would be offered to problem gamblers. (E-09.04.08)

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