“Whilst I know that many of your businesses have faced enormous struggles. And I know that some of you will have been forced to make tough decisions to keep your businesses viable in recent months, the fact that everyone has kept customer protection at the top of their agendas—despite all the challenges—tells me that we are on the right track.”
—Neil McArthur, chief executive of the UK Gambling Commission, at the Raising Standards conference at London’s Southbank Centre on the eve of the UK gambling industry’s Safer Gambling Week
“Our advice is do not go overseas.”
—Luo Zhaohui, China’s vice minister of foreign affairs, in a warning to the country’s citizens to avoid the risk of contracting Covid-19 this winter and returning with it to China
“It involves not only the public health issues of vaccines or other preventative measures, but also safety measures implemented by properties themselves.”
—Alan Feldman, distinguished fellow in responsible gaming at UNLV’s International Gaming Institute, speaking about what it will take to bring tourist back to Las Vegas.
“There’s a conflict of interest here, isn’t there?”
—Carolyn Harris, Labour MP, on two Tory MPs being paid by a sportsbook for advisory work on gambling issues.
“If you can think about missing a field goal or a free throw that might make the difference in a result, that’s not the most settling thought.”
—Naima Stevenson-Starks, the NCAA’s vice president for law, policy and governance, on her concern over prop bets for collegiate games.
“We’ve got good teams, which really just made us think this is a great place to launch and a great place to be based from.”
—Trip Stoddard, the director of customer experience and insights at PointsBet, on why the company located its U.S. headquarters in Denver.
“When people are confident they can meet, they will come. Beyond ‘22, we feel strong; ‘21 will be the year of — let’s see how this plays itself out.”
—Bill Hornbuckle, chief executive officer of MGM Resorts International on when conventions might start returning to Las Vegas
“Las Vegas faces a challenging road to recovery that will likely not be linear. It will include fits and starts similar to other heavily impacted sectors, depending on how local health situations evolve.”
—Colin Mansfield, a director for corporate finance for Fitch Rating
“I think this just puts a spotlight on the fact that you can take all the precautions that are possible and you can still contract the virus. I don’t know how I got it, but we’re going to quarantine and get through it.”
—Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak announcing he had tested positive for Covid-19
“We don’t want anybody getting anything, even a cold.”
—Sean Sullivan, general manager of Live! Casino Pittsburgh, noting that the casino will be ready for its November 24 opening with enhanced Covid-19 safety measures in place
