Casinos brought USD 314 million to Puerto Rican economy

The 21 licensed casinos by the Tourism Company of Puerto Rico have brought USD 314 million this fiscal year 2007-2008 (from July to June) to the Puerto Rican economy, which represents a 2.02% growth for the sector with regards to the previous year.

Executive director of the Tourism Company, Terestella González Denton, informed that during the annual convention of the Puerto Rican Hotels and Tourism Association (PRHTA), which is being held in San Juan until next Friday.

González Denton explained that the casino tourist sector offers in Puerto Rico almost 7,000 direct and indirect employments, which represents USD 85 million annually in wages.

„The games of chance sector of the tourist industry complies with its rol as the main source of income of the Fund of Tourist Development, and benefits directly to the University of Puerto Rico and the Finance Department, with funds distributed to those government entities”, said González Denton.

She explained that, this year, 30 operatives against illegal slot operation have been held, and, on the other hand, an agreement was reached with the Health Department to offer support to people with gambling problems.

Tourism has the aim to open other seven casinos, as well as the start of studies in Casino Administration in the University of Puerto Rico and expects to „facilitate poker tournaments, in order to attract the international market and the US market as well”, pointed González Denton.