Plans to introduce member-only casinos in Anguilla are still under review nearly two years after consultations began, Premier Ellis Webster has confirmed.
He was asked to provide an update on the future of a gaming sector on the island during a live streamed government press conference on 20 January.
The premier, who also acts as finance minister, told those watching that casinos were listed as a revenue source in the Economic and Fiscal Plan when he took office.
As a result, the government came up with a draft Gaming Policy proposing a maximum of two standalone licensed casinos that would be open to members only.
The policy indicated that revenue would come from the annual gaming licence fee, an annual 15% in gaming taxes on gross gaming revenue, and 15% from any prize, payable by the winner.
It was taken to public consultation in 2023 and there was some pushback, Webster said, adding that as a result written consultations are being gathered, and “that’s where it is right now”.
Gaming Policy
The government’s draft Gaming Policy, published in March 2023, said gaming plays an integral role in the tourism economy, particularly as an amenity and a form of entertainment.
“As such, the government is desirous of creating a luxury gaming environment that limits competition locally via a regulated gaming industry, but is competitive with the rest of the region,” it read.
“A competitive quality gaming environment will therefore attract high gaming budget customers; facilitating maximum tax benefits as gaming operators maximise revenues.”
It went on to give an overview of the government’s three goals – creating a quality product for gaming consumers, a viable gaming tax structure and a responsible gaming economy.
The draft policy also includes proposals for the creation of the Anguilla Gaming Act 2023, and the designation of the Anguilla Financial Services Commission as the Gaming Commission.
The draft Gaming Policy can be viewed in full here.
Public consultation
On 21 March, 2023, the government hosted a public consultation on the draft Gaming Policy at the Anguilla House of Assembly which was streamed live online.
The premier said it was good to see the public participating in the exercise, learning about the policy, and providing input which is “greatly appreciated”.
During the meeting, the policy was explained in detail before the public offered comments and questions for over an hour and a half.
They ranged from concerns about the social impact of gambling to suggestions on how the industry could be regulated effectively to ensure fairness and transparency.
Watch the public consultation in full below:
