A motion aimed at delaying the development of a Virgin Islands casino has been denied by a Superior Court judge, who said that the “economic boom” that the casino would bring was too important to ignore.

The motion was filed by local racetrack operators Traxco, who argued that the area granted to the casino owners for development was inaccurately marked out on official maps.

However, the judge’s ruling means that the $275 million casino is still on track to open on time. The resort, the brainchild of hotelier and investor Paul Golden, will require 800 workers and an estimated payroll of $30 million, with 1,200 permanent jobs to be created upon completion.

Speaking about his decision, judge Leon Kendall said: “When considering the depressed economy of St Croix and the economic boom this project is expected to bring, it does not appear to be in the public’s interest to grant injunctive relief.”

The Virgin Islands government has itself contributed over $30 million to the casino project.

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