The role of casinos in the tourism economy

1) Anchor for "stay & play": Frigate Bay resort cluster

The country's main offline magnet is Royal Beach Casino in the St. Kitts Marriott complex (Frigate Bay area). According to the descriptions of the hotel and profile guides, this casino is about 35,000 square meters. feet with hundreds of slot machines and live tables. In one area - beaches, pools, Emerald Mist Spa, access to the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club - the classic "come and go" model, which increases the length of stay and guest check.

2) "Short ticket office" at the port: demand from cruises

In the capital Basterre, right in Port Zanté, compact play spaces (slot and sports lounges) work. They convert some cruise traffic into evening spending on entertainment, drinks and food. In the season October 2024 - April 2025, the island received ~ 748,000 cruise passengers (+ 8.4% compared to last season) - this is a direct flow of visitors to port establishments.

3) Employment contribution and multiplier

According to WTTC, tourism is one of the key sectors of the country's economy, noticeably affecting GDP and employment (the share of the sector and forecasts are published annually). Casinos reinforce this effect: they create jobs on the site (dealers, pit bosses, service), as well as contractors - from taxis and gastronomy to event agencies and golf services.

4) Events, MICE and "evening economics"

The location of the resort casino inside a large hotel allows you to "sew" evening gaming activities and lounges into the conference/wedding/team building program. This increases the load of restaurants, bars and spas, and also motivates guests to extend their stay for 1-2 nights - a typical increase in the length of stay for a "resort + casino" model. (The resort has several pools, an updated spa and recreation infrastructure, which makes it easier to package an offer.)

5) Reputation and online contour: what changes after 2025

In 2025, Nevis launched a full-fledged online jurisdiction: Nevis Online Gaming Ordinance (2025) and Regulations (in force from July 1, 2025), administered by NOGA. For a country, this is a plus to international reputation (clear rules, AML/CFT, official register), which means it is easier to work with payment providers, banks, consulting and event partners. Online mode is focused primarily on operators and their compliance; it complements, but does not replace, offline tourism.

6) How exactly casinos are "rocking" the economy (point by point)

Prolongation of the trip. "Playing in the evening" is an additional motive to stay longer at the Frigate Bay resort.

Cross-demand. After the hall - restaurants/bars, spa, golf, excursions; in the afternoon - beaches and catamarans, in the evening - casino and lounge.

Cruise → city halls. At the port, tourists choose slots/sports lounges as part of a "short program" on the shore.

Jobs. Dealers/supervisors/security/hosting + off-site services (taxis, tours, meals).

Fiscal receipts. Business and salary taxes/fees + indirect taxes on tourist consumption.

7) Risks and bottlenecks

Seasonality and cruise dependency. Deviations in the schedules of liners and storms are instantly visible in the evening revenue of port establishments.

Small domestic market. The main revenue is guests, not residents: it is important to maintain quality and service so as not to lose "repeaters."

Compliance and banking relationships. Online jurisdiction adds transparency but requires ongoing work on AML/CFT and quality of oversight.

8) What to do business and turofis (practical steps)

1. Tie the product "resort + casino + golf + spa" into ready-made packages with guaranteed slots on tables/lounges.

2. Cruise "evening" bundles for Port Zanté: "slots + cocktail + live music" for a fixed price, synchronized with the schedule of liners.

3. MICE-offer: private tables/mini-tournaments, culinary set menus, transfers - all in one application.

4. The general calendar of events (festivals, sports, carnival) → special limits and promotions in the casino to distribute the flow over the weeks.

5. Communication about the rules: 18 +, responsible game, dress-code - understandable memos for guests.

9) Withdrawal

For Saint Kitts and Nevis, the casino is a dual engine of tourism. A major resort anchor at Frigate Bay holds guests and raises a check, while port halls at Port Zanté monetize a "short" cruise stream. At the macro level, the tourism sector makes a significant contribution to GDP and employment; on a micro level, casinos are cementing the "evening economy" - from restaurants and bars to spas and golf. Strengthening online regulation through NOGA (2025) adds credibility to the country on the world map, creating an additional impetus for partnerships and investment.

Sources

St. Kitts Marriott/Royal Beach Casino - casino size, resort amenities (spa, golf, swimming pools).

St. Kitts Tourism Authority/media - an increase in cruise arrivals (Oct 2024 - Apr 2025: ~ 748 thousand, + 8.4%).

WTTC - importance of tourism to GDP/employment; EIR/Factsheet by country.

Nevis Online Gaming - Ordinance (2025) and Regulations (effective July 1, 2025), NOGA official website.

Winners Circle/Port Zanté - positioning as a slot and sports lounge in the port area.

If it is required, I will make infographics "a way of the guest" (the cruise/airport → the port/resort → restaurant → casino → Spa/golf) with indicative checks and a contribution to revenue of the district.