MP York: Public outcry warranted over possibility of new casinos

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Darryl York says he is deeply disappointed by the course he believes Government is now signaling, following recent remarks by Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs indicating that one or two additional casinos could be allowed into 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.

In her comments, the Minister acknowledged that St. Maarten already has a sizable casino presence, and said any further expansion would have to be assessed through the lens of fairness, compliance, and social impact. She also called for the casino sector to play a more visible role in the community, pointing to stronger contributions connected to responsible gambling, assistance for residents facing hardship, and wider community-oriented initiatives.

MP York, however, said he strongly disagrees with that direction.

“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 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?”

York also argued that St. Maarten already ranks among the places with the highest concentration 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 said similar issues have surfaced during oversight discussions on gambling’s social and economic impact, emphasizing that many residents are already under financial pressure.

“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.”

York also raised what he described as contradictory messaging coming from 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 celebration, especially in a society where many are financially vulnerable.”

Pointing to practices abroad, York said other jurisdictions place clearer limits and stronger safeguards around citizen access.

“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 measures aimed at limiting excessive gambling by residents, but said enforcement has often 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 ended by calling on Government to take a firm position.

“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.”

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