“It’s a tough environment out there. The most difficult thing about this is knowing we’ve created a safe environment for our guests and our employees, but not everyone is comfortable going out. Fear of Covid is real.”
— Jason Guyot, interim CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut, announcing temporary closings, shorter hours of operation and furloughs
“This feels like the stars are aligning. We’ve had ongoing conversations with the governor. He has been engaged, and we’re looking forward to getting into much more detailed conversations.”
— Rodney Butler, chairman, Mashantucket Pequots, who own Foxwoods Resort Casino, on the chances of sports betting in Connecticut
“IPOs are so hot right now, and the size of my business and the restaurant industry and the gaming industry is something that people would want to own.”
—Tilman Fertitta, CEO of Landry’s and owner of Golden Nugget casinos, on why he is considering taking his gaming and restaurant resources public
“We take issue with casinos potentially receiving such relief funding, which is necessitated by a pandemic involving respiratory issues, while still permitting an activity—indoor smoking—that promotes the spread of Covid-19.”
—Cynthia Hallett, Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, in a letter to the AGA stating that casinos that permit smoking should not receive Covid-19 relief funds
“Inaction slows down possible collection, keeps investors away and promotes illegal gambling. Executive, legislative and judiciary have been showing their letters. It is time to define the rules of the game that is already being played.”
—Sérgio Garcia Alves, master in regulation at the University of Brasilia, in an article in Estadao in favor of legal gambling in the country
“Even before the pandemic, MGM was not doing well at all, so in many ways this is an attempt to save the firm.”
—Richard McGowan, finance professor, Boston College, on a management and executive shakeup at MGM Resorts International
“The types of health and well-being research that will be tackled by the center are relevant to the needs and situations of so many today. Its benefits will ripple out.”
—Deron Marquez, former chairman, San Manuel Tribe of California, which will donate millions to Claremont Graduate University to build a health research center
“It was a very difficult year.”
—Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, in an understatement about the tumult of 2020
