Senate President Lorraine L. Berry is submitting legislation to allow cruise ships to open their casinos while in port in St. Thomas — but only to their own passengers.
Berry said in a radio address that if cruise ships could open their casinos while docked here, they would stay later. And if ships stayed longer, stores could stay open and passengers would have more time to shop and enjoy local food and entertainment.
When ships dock in Frederiksted, they are allowed to open their casinos and often stay in port later as a result.
Berry said she submitted the bill now so it would be ready for public hearings when the 23rd Legislature convenes in January.
Casino gambling is prohibited by law in St. Thomas and St. John. Groundbreaking was held last week for St. Croix's first casino.