just a quick note to see how everyone feels about having a new casino here on the island...

It should stir up more business around town. After years of rumours and false starts we are finally getting a real casino!

I was told just tonight that there soon will be three casinos on the south end.

Do you really think it is a good thing?

i dont think AC could support 3 casinos...who knows

Brings in a whole new clientele & vibe. Not necessarily a very good one from what I have seen on other islands with casinos. JMO

In 1987 I spent a year looking for an Island to live on. Those with Casinos got marked off the list quick. They bring along a sickness that creeps into the population. Worse than if a major crack house was made legal.

Liquor, drugs and now a casino. McDonald's and KFC are next so we have all the fine vices on the island.

Build it and they will come, but be careful what you wish for.

I am so afraid it will take away the innocence of the island. I think one would be OK, but I really think three is two too many. I don't gamble, so I don't see the attraction, but I think it will encourage a type of people to the island that the island doesn't really need. JMHO.

My God!! I agree with Leah-Ann. Good call gal.

What did LA say?

Yes, what did I say?

I was forced to stay at the Princess Hotel a few years ago and that evening wandered down to the casino. I was horrified to see that ONLY Belizeans had to show that they had $200 in cash in order to come in.
When I was later talking to some friends here, who just happen to have dark skin, they said it was a good thing. Shocked, I asked why. They said if they didn't do that too many poor people would loose all their money.
My thought was that EVERYONE should be asked or NOBODY should be asked.
No, I don't think gambling brings in the type of tourist I would like to mingle with. But then, what the heck - I don't like the high rises going up across the lagoon either.

That $200 rule for Belizeans was instituted at the insistence of the Belizean churches and various social NGOs...not the casino management.

Geesh - ya both missed the post? LA said that Ernie was one hot tamale and she was packing up and moving in with him.... Guess there's gonna be a tug-of-war!

HIJACK!!!!

ah, nova - tell me again, just how bored are you?

but that Ernie is one hot tamale

I never noticed a particulary bad element at the old casino but then again, I only went in there a couple of times, had way to much fun and then carried on my way.

I guess everyone is anticipating that this time it will be different. I suppose in fairness, there are far more people living on the island now than there used to be.

As for poor people losing their meager earnings . .yes, it's a problem. Even here. And look at that, the church is holding bingo, the sports teams and schools are holding bingos, who goes to bingo . .yup, BINGO, mostly the more poor amongst us.

Sun & Sand, I give it less than 12 months.....the tourist that this Island attracts are not going to come here to gamble....they can do that at home. Unfortunately it will be the locals that will "donate" to the casino.

Amen, Al.

Agree as well, Loansum.

Loansum: You are really out of touch with the modern present day Ambergris Caye!

I am not against a Casino - think it will bring some extra business to the island - I am not a gambler, in fact I never gamble, but like to watch other people loose money. I doubt it will be the goose with the golden eggs though, and they'll get a rough time here. The old casino closed here due to scale too small and high gambling taxes, and there were quite some locals (gringo's) unhappy about that.

Of course there are always the doom thinkers that predict an Aruba-like future, but I think of it as an extra asset. Most tourists will still be coming here for Diving, Fishing, Nature and Honeymoons, and will be happy to be able to visit a casino for one evening during their stay.

You may be right Jesse, spending only 5 months a year on the Island certainly doesn't make me an expert on it's economics.

Al, I sure hope you are right. The charm of the island is the contentment and bright future. I really would hate for the future to be tarnished with the crime that usually follows large gambling. Just take a walk a few blocks away from any casino (at least the ones I've been to) and you see more crime, drugs, theft than anywhere else. I am hopefull that this passes quickly without taking it's toll on the island.

Although I don't think the island needs a casino, I don't think it will be the downfall of San Pedro. San Ignacio is doing fine with their casino.

Island Club Resorts is excited to be the first resort to offer a fully equipped Vegas style casino on Ambergris Caye, Belize. Casino Belize will feature a variety of many popular casino tables in addition to a multitude of slot machines.
....

http://belizeyachtclub.com/casino.php

When is it supposed to open?