The Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission is serious about its insistence on responsible gaming. Less than a month after the opening of the Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino, St. Croix's first, the commission chairwoman, Eileen Petersen has warned parents that they will not gamble if their children are not properly supervised.
"Parents carry their children to the casino and because person under 18 cannot enter the casino, they are left outside."
Petersen said it is a no-no for parents to leave their children unattended in their cars or in the hotel's parking lot for hours at a time.
"Anytime we have warned a parent about this situation and they continue the practice, we will bar them from returning to the casino to gamble."
Petersen said it's a simple situation, "If you don't have a babysitter for your minor children, stay at home."
Petersen has put together a responsible gaming task force, which she hoped will help the community avoid many of the traditional pitfalls of irresponsible gambling, she said.
The task force established to help curb an undesirable social consequences of legalized gambling is preparing for problems beyond parents leaving their children unattended outside the casino. Commission member Lloyd McAlpin said the commission is lining up a number of anticipated services including many agencies of the local government.
Overall, Petersen said the first few weeks of lawful gaming on St. Croix has gone relatively well. She said the smooth sailing is largely due to adequate preparation.
"We are satisfied that the rules and regulations we put in place have contributed to a smooth opening."
She added, "To those who say it was a long time in coming, I ask them to show me a reputable gaming jurisdiction that has put together a first-ever casino and hotel in four years."
The Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino is located on St. Croix's East End.
It features 295 gaming machines, roulette, craps and blackjack tables.
