Casinos
The idea of National Alliance Island Council member George Pantophlet (see papers of Friday and Saturday) that local casinos should contribute more to society financially is not without merit. Considering the number of casinos on the island and their estimated annual turnover of 125 million guilders, the annual income of 700,000 guilders government reportedly receives from them indeed seems meagre.
It was explained that when the system was changed from a so-called drop tax to a fixed fee, government lost its control on the revenue of casinos. That same government, however, has the tools to regain that control.
It must, of course, be remembered that the casinos also contribute to the local economy through employment and the money they spend on the island. Those that are part of resorts also support the hotels and timeshare operations financially.
But there are many stand-alone casinos on the island. Many of them donate considerable amounts in charity as well.
But the point is that society and its government should not have to depend on charity. Casinos should contribute what can be considered a reasonable and fair amount so that the Island Government, as elected representatives of the people, can use that money at its discretion.
What in any case should be avoided is that government is again owed millions in outstanding casino fees, as happened in the past. If residents or other businesses don’t pay their taxes on time they can expect sanctions and the same should count for casinos.
Casinos are important for the tourism economy, no doubt, but they can also have negative effects among the population in terms of gambling addiction, which is why there are regulations as to how many times local residents can visit them. Unfortunately, these regulations are not actively enforced.
The casinos too should realise this and cooperate with a possible increase of fees, because money is needed to tackle some of the social problems they can create. That’s what being a good corporate citizen is all about.
Give us your opinion on this story ![[new]](/images/new.gif)
Post a message on our message board! Click Here!
