Bill to Dismantle Illegal Gambling Advances, Aims to Recover $100 Million Leaving the Territory

Bill 35-0179 strengthens enforcement against illegal gambling enterprises, with updated penalties and measures to reclaim millions in lost funds and protect the territory’s social programs.

Further action is expected to be taken on a bill set to strengthen enforcement of illegal gambling when the full body of the 35th Legislature meets on Wednesday. Bill 35-0179, originally sponsored by Senator Diane Capehart in December 2023, returned to the Committee on Homeland Security, Justice, and Public Safety last Wednesday following rigorous discussion and amendments. The draft legislation aims to strengthen the Virgin Islands Lottery's enforcement tools against illegal gambling and lottery.

The bill describes illegal gambling as “a catalyst for violent crime,” and says the practice “adversely impacts the quality of life in the Virgin Islands, and disrupts our neighborhoods and lawful businesses.” It seeks to tackle any “organized criminal lottery enterprise” which refers to “any endeavor involving a lottery not authorized under the Virgin Islands Code.” Individuals convicted under the amended law would face fines of up to $1000, a jail term of up to 2 years, or both.