18/07/2026
A good read about the proposed bill: “They said it was about horse racing. But is it?”
The Southland Gaming proposal was presented as a plan to rebuild and revitalize horse racing in the Virgin Islands — restoring the Randall "Doc" James Racetrack on St. Croix and managing the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on St. Thomas. But critics, horsemen and rival operators say the reality looks very different. The agreement, they argue, is far more focused on expanding Video Lottery Terminal gaming centers across the territory than on investing in the sustainability of local horse racing.
Southland would operate under a separate regulatory framework from existing casino operators, bypassing the Casino Control Commission and enjoying tax advantages that established businesses don't get.
Meanwhile, no competitive bidding. Limited public transparency. And a legislative process that has drawn serious concern from senators on both sides.
Horse racing is part of Virgin Islands culture and community life. It deserves real investment. What it doesn't deserve is to be used as a cover that permanently locks out competition and redirects public revenue to a private company.
