PRESS RELEASE FALSE ONLINE GAMBLING AD 091725

Collection: Executive Agency Records
Sub-shelf: casinocontrolcommission.vi (Internet Archive recovery)
Kind: Government Report
Island: St. Croix
Date: 2025-09-17
Pages: 2
Text: Native Text

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Original source: https://web.archive.org/web/20251113175233id_/https://casinocontrolcommission.vi/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PRESS-RELEASE-FALSE-ONLINE-GAMBLING-AD-091725.pdf

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From the desk of Linda I. Smith, Executive Director **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Media Contact: Linda I. Smith, VICCC Executive Director Tel: (340) 718-3616 Email: lsmith@casinocontrolcommission.vi VIRGIN ISLANDS CASINO CONTROL COMMISSION WARNS PUBLIC OF FALSE ONLINE GAMBLING ADVERTISEMENT St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands — September 17, 2025 — The Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission (VICCC) is warning the public about a fraudulent social media advertisement falsely claiming that online gambling is available through Divi Carina Bay Casino in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The advertisement, which unlawfully uses Divi Casino’s logos and the official seal of the Government of the Virgin Islands, is false and misleading. The Commission strongly urges the public not to click on any links contained in the ad and not to share personal or financial information through the site. Marvin L. Pickering, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, reported that the VICCC has been inundated with calls from concerned residents regarding the Facebook advertisement. The ad falsely promotes an “exclusive $1,500 welcome bonus,” claiming it is valid until September 25, 2025, to mark the so-called “official launch” of online gambling at Divi Casino. “This advertisement is completely false,” Chairman Pickering emphasized. “Online gambling is not available at Divi Casino, one of the Commission’s licensed operators. The Commission has not issued any licenses for online gambling operations in the Territory.” Chairman Pickering commended Divi Casino for its swift response in posting a scam alert on its official Facebook page, making it clear that it does not offer online gambling and is not affiliated with the fraudulent advertisement. Both the Commission and Divi Casino strongly urge local gambling patrons not to engage with the advertisement in any way and to refrain from providing personal or financial information to the fraudulent site. Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission Eileen Ramona Petersen Casino Control Commission Building 3005 Orange Grove Christiansted, VI 00820 Telephone: 340-718-3616  Fax: 340-718-3136 Email: lsmith@casinocontrolcommission.vi The Chairman further stated that he has contacted the Virgin Islands Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General, and the Division of Gaming Enforcement to seek guidance on legal actions to remove the false advertisement, identify those responsible, and protect the public. Chairman Pickering expressed his appreciation to residents who promptly reported the scam, noting that September is Responsible Gaming Education Month, a time to emphasize the importance of playing only with trusted, licensed operators. “The legalized U.S. gambling industry, including the Commission, its partners, and its licensees, remains ever vigilant in safeguarding the public,” Chairman Pickering said. “Our goal is to ensure that patrons can play and enjoy gambling with trust and confidence.” For further information, contact Executive Director Linda I. Smith at (340)718-3616 or via email at lsmith@casinocontrolcommission.vi. ###