The Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino’s official public opening Friday was not only grand, it was packed.
The casino parking lot was filled by nightfall and the gaming floor was abuzz with gamblers and gawkers. The first wave of 2,000 gamblers who got to the casino early were in the door without any delay. But a few hours later the building was packed and gamblers had to wait to spend their money.
"At about 9 p.m. we hit our 750 maximum (capacity)," said Barbara Shattles, executive vice president of Treasure Bay, the Mississippi-based company operating the casino. "We had to go to a waiting line after that."
But the wait, which lasted until about midnight, didn’t seem to faze those in line.
"This is great, we weren’t expecting a casino opening," said Meg Hanford, who with her husband was visiting St. Croix for the first time from Boston. "I hope I can win some money to offset the cost of the vacation."
Despite the capacity crowds, new casino and relatively unseasoned casino staff, Shattles said the night went smoothly. There were minor problems such as people trying to enter who appeared to be around 21 years old but hadn’t brought ID cards.
"If you’re even close to 21 you have to have an ID," Shattles said.
Orlando Jackson was well over 21 and hitting the slots. He said he used to visit Atlantic City when he lived in the states. A casino on St. Croix will allow him to indulge once again.
"I like the slots, what can I say?" Jackson said, smiling.
Shattles said some basic operational issues that can be ironed out popped up, such as moving money and knowing how much liquor to stock. All in all, though, she said the casino’s maiden voyage was "real smooth."
"I think everybody is very happy," she said. "The crowd is so appreciative of the beauty of the place."