“While this will certainly be a unique running of this historic race, we are grateful to be able to hold the Belmont Stakes in 2020.”
—Dave O’Rourke, president and CEO, New York Racing Association, on the unprecedented running of the Belmont Stakes on June 20, before the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, and without spectators
“I do sadly think that in terms of open tourist-related travel in or out of Australia, that remains quite some distance off, just because of the practicalities of the volumes that are involved and the need for us to first and foremost keep putting health first.”
—Simon Birmingham, Australian tourism minister, who says it’s “likely the case” that the country’s ban on overseas travel will be extended to 2021
“Given the deadlines for getting a measure on the November ballot and the impact of Covid-19 on the public’s ability to weigh in, we were not able to get the bill across the finish line this year.”
—Bill Dodd, California state senator, admitting defeat on SCA 6, legislation that would have allowed voters to bring sports betting in the state
“Having this dictated to us is unacceptable. Whether online gaming is three years, five years, 10 years down the line or not at all, that has to be a tribal decision.”
—James Siva, chairman, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, on why tribes insist that any sports betting proposal in California must originate with gaming tribes and no one else
“If we’re not the strictest casino, we’re way up there, one of the strictest. You will be safe here, whether you like it or not.”
—Greg Sarris, chairman, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, on the safety measures in place at the Graton Casino in Rohnert Park, California
“The Phillies or Mets fan is not interested in the San Diego Padres vs. Seattle Mariners game.”
—Joe Lupo, president, Hard Rock Atlantic City, on why baseball fans don’t flock to watch games from outside their home base
“We’re not going to tolerate any knuckleheads trying to ruin it for those who want to enjoy themselves responsibly and those who need to get back to work—especially if those knuckleheads could be spreading Covid.”
—Phil Murphy, New Jersey governor, on how the state will deal with people who don’t follow safety protocols
“Unfortunately, as you can see from the data, we’ve taken some steps backward.”
—Steve Sisolak, Nevada governor, on making face masks mandatory in public, including casinos, prompted by a spike in Covid-19 cases since the state reopened
