PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Darryl York says he is deeply disappointed in the direction signaled by the Government following recent remarks by Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs suggesting that one or two additional casinos may enter the market.
“At a time when families are struggling, when the cost of living continues to rise, and when many of our people are searching for financial stability, the idea that expanding the casino footprint is even being entertained is troubling,” MP York stated.
The Minister indicated that St. Maarten already has a significant casino presence and that any expansion must be weighed against fairness, compliance, and social impact. She further urged a stronger community role from the casino sector, highlighting the need for more visible contributions tied to responsible gambling, support for residents facing hardship, and broader community-oriented initiatives.
MP York strongly disagrees with this approach.
“We cannot outsource the protection of our people to casinos,” he said. “It is not the responsibility of casino operators to safeguard our citizens from gambling addiction and financial ruin. That responsibility belongs to the government.”
He continued: “If we are now discussing social responsibility, hardship, addiction, and compliance, then that is already an acknowledgment that there is a social cost attached to this industry. So why would the solution be more casinos?”
MP York pointed out that St. Maarten already has one of the highest concentrations of gambling establishments per square kilometer anywhere in the world.
“We must ask ourselves honestly: has this made our people wealthier? Has this strengthened our social fabric? Or has it deepened cycles of financial desperation for many?”
He referenced concerns raised in oversight discussions regarding the social and economic impact of gambling, noting that many residents are already financially strained.
“People are searching for financial hope, but casinos are not where they will find it,” he said. “When individuals who are already struggling are exposed to easy access gambling, the consequences can be severe not only for them, but for their families.”
The Member of Parliament also expressed concern about what he described as mixed messaging from the Government.
“We have seen the Government promote Christmas events at casinos and normalize gambling as entertainment for the entire community. That sends the wrong signal. We should not be marketing gambling as a celebration, especially in a society where many are financially vulnerable.”
MP York further pointed to international examples where stronger safeguards exist.
“In the Netherlands, locals must show identification to enter casinos, and there are systems preventing individuals who are registered in debt from accessing gambling establishments. In The Bahamas, casinos are restricted primarily to tourists. These jurisdictions recognize that their own citizens require protection.”
He added that St. Maarten already has legal mechanisms intended to limit excessive gambling by residents, but enforcement has historically been inconsistent.
“Before we talk about expanding the industry or asking casinos to take on a greater ‘community role,’ we must use the tools that already exist. We must enforce our own laws. We must strengthen responsible gambling frameworks. And we must prioritize public health over profit.”
“A casino license is not an entitlement. It is a discretionary decision of Government,” he stated. “The authority to grant or deny these licenses rests squarely with the Minister, and that discretion must be exercised in the best interest of the people of St. Maarten.”
He urged the Government to act responsibly and decisively.
“I strongly urge the Government not to grant any additional casino licenses. Our priority must be protecting our people, not expanding an industry that carries significant social risks. Before we even consider growth in this sector, we must first ensure stronger enforcement of existing safeguards, proper oversight, and meaningful protections for our residents.”
