The government of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Virgin Islands Gaming Ltd. have entered into a 20-year agreement allowing VIGL to operate the Clinton E. Phipps racetrack on St. Thomas and the Randall “Doc” James racetrack on St. Croix. Under the arrangement, VIGL will develop the tracks to meet the standards of the horseracing industry nationwide, to include resurfacing, repairs, construction of buildings for veterinary services, public accommodations and horse barns. VIGL is required to invest at least million at the racing facilities and tracks and provide at least million per year in racing purses. In addition, VIGL will operate racinos to produce the revenues to support the improvements, track operations and purses.
VIGL President and Chief Executive Officer Lance Griffith told Governor Kenneth E. Mapp that survey work is underway to determine space requirements for the planned structures, and to finalize the purchase and acquisition of land. Following approvals and permitting, Griffith estimated construction could begin by July 2017.
Mapp told VIGL officials the government will continue to work with them to make the partnership a success.
