Southland Racetrack Plan Could Support 244 Jobs, but Senators Question VLT Economic Impact

The proposed Southland Gaming racetrack development could support 244 jobs and generate tens of millions of dollars in economic activity, according to government projections presented Monday, but several lawmakers challenged whether the addition of Video Lottery Terminals on St. Croix would actually expand the economy or primarily redistribute gambling dollars already being spent on the island. Haldane Davies, director of the Bureau of Economic Research, told the Committee of the Whole that if Southland Gaming does not proceed with construction of the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack, the territory would see “244 jobs not supported, with $12.3 million in unrealized earnings in 2026 dollars.” BER also projects $33.3 million in unrealized economic output, a $16.6 million non-contribution to gross domestic product and $4.4 million in taxes not realized if the project does not move forward. Those projections became part of a broader economic debate over the multi-component Southland Gaming...