Isle of Vegas? Government Legalises Cocaine and Gambling to Boost Island Economy
In attempted to stimulate the Island’s economy planning permission has been granted to build three super-casinos. The UK government hopes the plans to convert the Isle of Wight into an offshore gambling destination will revitalise the Island’s economy and create a UK casino hub rivaling that of Vegas or Macau.
Once a popular destination for Victorian holidaymakers, the arrival of cheap foreign holidays in the 1960s saw the decline of the Isle of Wight’s vital tourist economy. Today many resort towns struggle as visitors opt to travel abroad instead of a traditional British seaside getaway.
On Monday night the UK government announced plans to designate the Isle of Wight as the UKs first Offshore Special Administrative Tourism Zone (OSATZ). The proposed plan is to build three super casino complexes. The Islands new status will make gambling, licensed brothels, cocaine, and fast food all legal and actively encouraged.
Government officials hope that the plans will not only transform the Island’s economy but will also act as a major financial boost for the exchequer in the form of taxes.
The first phase of building will be completed by 2016 when two of the new super casinos will be operational. In conjunction, the islands infrastructure will be greatly improved to accommodate the expected influx of visitors.
The Prime Minister on his recent visit to China was taken to Macau, China’s premier gambling destination. Macau is fast overtaking Las Vegas as the world’s number one casino hub. Macau’s casinos generated over $45 billion of gaming revenue in 2013. Cameron has hopes that the Isle of Wight can follow China’s example.
There has been some backlash from Island residents. Last month saw protests at one proposed casino site, the Wroxall Donkey Sanctuary, which will be demolished. Many Island residents have however welcomed plans. Shanklin Town Council has started a Blackjack dealer’s course at the local town hall.
Economists polled by The Muffin last week expect this will be good news for the UK economy but bad news for donkeys.