“After two hard back-to-back camps, not being able to step in to the ring both times, you can imagine how disappointed I am. However, these protocols were put into place for a reason and it’s more important to care about the health and well-being of my team and the people at this event.”
—Mikaela Mayer, junior lightweight boxing contender, who tested positive for Covid-19 just before a scheduled bout in the Top Rank show in Las Vegas
“We feel as though we’re in a good spot, and we’re doing everything we can to get this economy reopened, get our team members back to work, get the doors open and provide people some safe entertainment.”
—Jason Guyot, CEO, Foxwoods Resort, on safety measures the casino implemented prior to reopening
“People have been doing it anyway. Now, we can use it as a marketing tool. Cops don’t have to look the other way and businesses can do it legally and not have to worry about getting in trouble with their liquor licenses.”
—Scott Cronick, Atlantic City bar owner, on a new executive order permitting open containers of alcohol
“The biggest change will be in slot layout. The one slot on one slot off model that is being adopted looks horrible, so we will have to come up with something more creative.”
—Walt Power, CEO, Grand Ho Tram in Vietnam, who says casino demand is surging back fast
“If we’d had online wagering this whole time, we could’ve still been making a little money and the state could’ve been making a little money.”
—Tom Swoik, executive director, Illinois Casino Gaming Association, on an executive order allowing sports bettors to register from home rather than a casino
“After the Covid-19 pandemic, the tourism industry will recover. IRs will provide a boost in becoming an advanced tourist destination.”
—Shinzo Abe, prime minister of Japan, who insists the timeline to open integrated resorts in the country will not be affected by the coronavirus
“One of the problems as we open up is, while you may practice social distancing and wear a mask, you can’t control the behavior of others, so that is kind of an unpredictable aspect of going out. There’s no such thing as a zero-risk outing.”
—David Davenport, medical director of infection prevention, Ascension Borgess Hospital in Michigan, on casino reopenings
“If you’re worried, please do not come. If you’re experiencing illness, please don’t come. We’re all learning through this.”
—Jose Flores, vice president and general manager, Gun Lake Casino in Wayland, Michigan
“This is all bullshit. I don’t even know why I’m talking about these numbers.”
—Tilman Fertitta, owner of Golden Nugget casinos and Landry’s restaurants, on a call with investors about first-quarter results
“Match-fixing is a threat to the fundamental idea of sports, and also a threat to the gambling industry. If people lose faith in the honesty of sports events, they will lose faith in betting products as well.”
—Henrik Tjärnström, CEO, Kindred Group, on the Malta firm’s Fair Sports 4 All project, developed with the European Football for Development Network
“They desperately need the revenue in order for their government to operate and survive and take care of the tribal members. It’s not worth it to (open) and to harm your customers and employees—that’s the lifeblood of your business.”
—Alan Meister, economist, on Arizona’s Salt River Pima-Maricopa tribe’s decision to open its Talking Stick Resort after other tribal casinos
“She continues with the IR bid even though it will cause trouble to a lot of people. She’s not thinking about the citizens. I want each and every voter to take action.”
—Yumiko Hirokoshi, Yokohama representative, on a petition to drum Mayor Fumiko Hayashi out of office for supporting a casino there, despite Covid-19
“Vegas isn’t meant to be done with masks or worry. It’s an escape.”
—Scott Roeben, Vital Vegas travel blogger, on visitors to the city who are flouting safety precautions and social distancing guidelines
“We’re thrilled to be able to reopen our resort and feel it’s only appropriate to invite those who have worked tirelessly to be among our first guests.”
—Marilyn Spiegel, president, Wynn Las Vegas, on the property’s offer of a free one-night stay to all first responders
“I much prefer people wear a mask when I’m playing with them than I would that they wear sunglasses.”
—Zach Elwood, former professional poker player, who says players can’t disguise poker “tells” with face masks, because the eyes are the giveaways
“Our team members are the backbone of our operation and we want to ensure that they know we are here to support them during these uncharted times.”
—Joe Lupo, president, Hard Rock Atlantic City, on the property’s gift-card giveaway program for employees. Hard Rock has already given away more than $1 million in $100 ShopRite cards
