A casino in the Virgin Islands has requested that the Casino and Resort Control Act be amended to allow it to train and employ 18-year old dealers. The Casino Control Commission presently prohibits those under 21 from entering a casino although they are able to purchase alcohol. The casino put forward the argument that the territory’s casino laws are based on those in New Jersey, and that the state has amended the original law to allow dealers to train from 17+ and commence work at 18 in Atlantic City.

The Casino Control Commission has tabled the request and the Chairman challenged the casino management to be more inventive after the general manager said that hiring local qualified dealers was difficult and would become more so if new casinos opened. There are two pending applications for a reservation of a casino licence, one of which comes from a company that has the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation as a majority shareholder. The Mashantucket Pequot tribe owns and operates Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut.

Under the Virgin Islands casino law, 90% of casino staff must be permanent residents. The Commission opposed the request on the basis that 18 was too young to be faced with an environment of gambling, cigarette smoke, vulgar language and occasional intimidation. It was suggested that the casino be more inventive in advertising and offer more incentives. The casino has agreed to provide the Commission with details of dealer turnover. (E-06.21.07)

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