Video Slots coming to Wharfside Village on STJ- commentary

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Gromit
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Video Slots coming to Wharfside Village on STJ- commentary

Post by Gromit »

OK, you are all going to think I am in a bad mood today, but the hits just keep coming.

I just read this on "On St. John":
http://www.on-stjohn.com/2007/10/11/vid ... mment-3890

I just left a comment for our friends at this site. It seems that I am not alone in my feelings that this is a REALLY BAD MOVE for STJ.

What are they THINKING?? I am not against gaming. I love to gamble as much as they next guy. But there is a place for this kind of activity and that place is NOT STJ.

If I want gambling, I go to Vegas or to another island. But I specifically come to STJ for its natural beauty, laid back atmosphere, peace and quiet. Not to hear video machines ringing and beeping as I get off the ferry-- the fence is bad enough!

I know it's hard to make a buck or even a living on island-- it's why I don't live there, but choose to spend my vacations and hard earned money on regular visits to this WONDERFUL island. But a fast buck through video gaming comes at a high price.

I fear that this kind of activity will only serve to drive more hard working STJ families into deeper poverty and leave them struggling.

I hope that you will all join me in my commitment not to spend ONE DIME at this establishment, not even for a drink.

The only way to prevent this kind of business from staying in business is to not give them your money and make it unprofitable for them to be there.

Sorry to be so negative, but I view this as a very serious issue that warranted some attention.

How do you feel about Video Gaming coming to STJ?
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augie
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Post by augie »

I'm with you.

They won't get any of my money either.

I hope it's converted into something cool when the video slots place goes under...
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flip-flop
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Post by flip-flop »

Is this going where Larry's was? One seedy place replaced by another. Yes, the sad part is that for the most part the people who can afford to throw their money away will be relaxing on the beach somewhere.

I would not be AS opposed if a significant portion of the money was going back into the community (like lotto money goes to education) but still its really a tax on those who can least afford it. Pathetic & icky.
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PA Girl
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Post by PA Girl »

At first read of the article, I thought is was a joke, sort of. I think it is an odd choice for a business given the location, both in Wharfside Village as well as on the island in general.

We saw video slots and poker in Provo, T & C but it was just a handful of machines in the back of some bars, certainly not the focus of the establishment. I think I remember hearing that the islanders were not, by law, permitted to play. (That is a whole different discussion.) My husband played and won a $100 or so.

While I have no problems with gambling in general, I can't foresee a positive impact on Cruz Bay.
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Gromit
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Post by Gromit »

Ok, so nice to know that I am not completely off the reservation on this one.
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LMG
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Post by LMG »

I spoke with someone this morning that said going in there will feel like someone put a poker table in church. Just wrong.

Some others, though, did say that it would be good because all the cruise ship folks would go there and stay off the beach. Good for the beach, bad for some others maybe. Sad that people might miss the best part of paradise.
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Gromit
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Post by Gromit »

Yeah, but don't most of the cruise ships offer gambling already?

This whole thing just makes me ill.
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mfaughey
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Post by mfaughey »

Caps has had video slots for a while now..
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Gromit
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Post by Gromit »

When did that happen?
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flip-flop
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Post by flip-flop »

Yehguafm wrote:Caps has had video slots for a while now..
I knew I had seen them on STJ somewhere, I just couldn't remember where. I think its just a couple of machines though. This looks like a whole hall.
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RevStu
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Post by RevStu »

Just so you know there have been slots machines on St John in wharfside village for well over a year now. So I'm not sure what the furor is over now?

The machines don't necessarily ring either its up to the owner if the want the sounds on or off.
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Gromit
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Post by Gromit »

One or two is no big deal -- a hall full of them is quite another. Unfortunately it's been over a year since I was on island- we took a year off of our usual STJ schedule to go to Florence Italy and Disney. Hence my surprise at the "recent" development.

The objections are noted in my previous post.
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Verve
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Post by Verve »

There's plenty of video slots on STJ.

Captain's Cabin, Larry's (same place just across the street), and Cap's Place to name the major players.

Honestly, any boycott will have a negligible effect on the owner of these machines. They make a metric butt-load of money for the proprietor and, as you well know, booze is practically free here. Margins in booze are laughable.

I'm not "for" the new machines. Frankly, I don't play them at all, but I know how to choose my battles and this one is a loser.

Here is the simple math:

The government makes money from them
+ Locals like to put money in them
= You'll need an act of god to fight this

(Just my 2 cents!)
mrsb
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Post by mrsb »

You can flame me for this but I have a few points to make about slots/video gambling etc.

1. Most people like to p*ss their money away. As long as it doesn't affect me, why should I care how they do it. Some people shop, some drink, some gamble, some build huge houses.
2. Gambling has been there as others have said. I only noticed at one place we walked by and it was pretty quiet. Won some $ too.
3. If any of the money helps for property taxes, seniors or whatever it helps the island. I was shocked when some residents protested a gaming facility near Philadelphia that will help alleviate some property taxes in PA. I just don't understand that.
4. I think most visitors would rather be on the beach but what about evenings, or rainy days or other times when the beaches might not be an option.

It's not all bad and if it's not for you, you don't have to play.
When will I see St John again?
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