USVI-On-Line

I am not for or against them. I like to gamble, but I would probably not bother while I was on STJ, there are just too many other things to do.

Many residents of the VI have wanted casino gambling in the territory for a very long time. They wanted to be able to compete with Aruba and other islands where people can spend their days on the beach and their nights in the casinos.

Many people enjoy gambling while on a tropical vacation, many people do not. It is a personal choice and I don't think that I would change my vacation destination based on video slot machines in a bar.


The locals will enjoy the machines, some tourists will as well and the business owners and the government will make money. Do I like the idea? Not really, but it really isn't hurting anyone.

SJfromNJ wrote: I just have to say "IS ANYBODY ALIVE OUT THERE!"

Thank you.

Hahahaha... have you been having fun?

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SJfromNJ wrote:How great has CONN/PA/NJ been the last week?! I only have tickets for 2nd night at MSG, but that may include another "Incident." I can't get enough. Ebay has some tickets for big $$'s, I should just be glad for the shows I've seen.

In Philly I saw GA's going for $70 in the parking lot around 7:30. Forget ebay, there are tickets to be had.

Is this Bruce "junkie stuff" you guys are talking about?

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brenda wrote:Is this Bruce "junkie stuff" you guys are talking about?

HA - yeah it's our secret code!

FYI This place is open now.

I don't care if it's on island. Some folks will stop by, but I expect I'll ever even notice it.

Cheers, RickG

I'm not interested in visiting this place at all. But, that's just me. I'd rather give my $$ to the shops and restaurants.

Okay, I'll add my thoughts. As you can tell by my screen name I like Aruba - but what is was like when I used to go there some 20 years ago. I have no problems with the game machines, I just have seen what can happen to an island when it gets commercialized. When I first started going to Aruba there was one McDonalds and one Wendys on the island. Now they are on every street corner and there was a huge influx of wave runners, ATVs and banana boats (you get the idea). Once you open up to certain acitvities people with different interests are suddenly attracted. If St. John starts down the Aruba path, I will just have to relocate to an island that the wave runner, gaming machine crowd would not go to since it won't have those activities.

I won't use the machines, and I might prefer they weren't there, but it won't bother me. I visited Larry's 3 times on this last trip, and Cap's Place once---I only vaguely remember the machines (maybe it was those pour-your own drinks that are fogging my memory).

When on Provo TCI in June 08, we didn't see any machines in the bars (as we did in 04) but we did see a new casino similar to the pic of the new STJ parlor - all electronic.

We asked a number of residents about it and all had the same thing to say, it didn't draw many tourists and is primarily frequented by full time residents. I found that interesting. The casino even advertised free transportation from the hotel/condo complexes.

I wonder if the STJ casino will see more tourists or full-timers or a mix of both? Not that it matters to me, I am just general curious about island businesses.

It does not look very big.....the one in The Wyndam Sugar Bay, STT is bigger.

When we were there 10-24th, took bro/sis to dive shop to wait on dive boat. They were feverishly working in there, looked like they would be ready to open in about 2 weeks. They were interviewing for bartenders, cashiers, etc. The owners must have lots of money because it is beautiful inside (not the slot machines). Tropical bird of paradise print carpet, beautiful hand done birds around wall above bar, tray ceilings, beautiful wood molding, even ceiling tiles have palm trees on them. Doesn't look like any money was spared. Hubby says it looks like mafia establishment! I wouldn't darken their door, if I wanted to play the slots I'd be in Vegas. It is really going to change the feel of the area. I guess money talks. Just so tacky to put something glitsy/circusy (is that a word?!) right on the beach.

Jan