“I’m not going to be enslaved by this system or by money, nor should anyone that wants to laugh or be entertained … I have to stick to my morals, I have to stick to what I know is right as a human to another human when you have to be forced, bribed, dictated … which is basically what’s going on.”
—Jim Breuer, comedian, on canceling casino shows where proofs of vaccine are mandated
“While many companies are voluntarily taking proactive measures to fight the spread of Covid, mandating them to do so through executive order sets a worrisome precedent and creates a slippery slope for future potential mandates on employers and employees.”
—Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, on President Joe Biden’s order that workers at companies with 100-plus employees be vaccinated or take weekly Covid tests
“We had the family-friendly ’90s. We had the young, friendly early 2000s era and are now in a successful business travel, international traveler trend, before the pandemic began. I think sports is the next era in how we brand ourselves as a community.”
—Michael Naft, Clark County, Nevada commissioner on Las Vegas’ capacity to draw more major league teams to join the Golden Knights and the Raiders
“Melco has been working on the ground in Japan for over a decade. We firmly believe in the country’s long-term potential and remain committed to exploring opportunities to develop the world’s best integrated resort in Japan.”
—Lawrence Ho, chairman and CEO, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, on his continued interest in a Japan IR, though Yokohama suspended its bidding process
“Gambling advertisements are already ubiquitous; on television, radio, internet, bus shelters and in our letterboxes. Let’s face it, consumers find too many gambling adverts just irritating.”
—Peter-Paul de Goeij, director, Netherlands Online Gambling Association, calling for greater limits on online gambling advertisements
“Did I leak information to the media? Yes, I did. We wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t.”
—Ross Alderson, former head of the British Columbia Lottery Corp., testifying to a Canadian commission investigating money laundering at B.C. casinos
“As only a certain amount of people have that information, some people could take advantage of that situation.”
—Jay Kornegay, vice president, Westgate SuperBook, on the need for the NHL to follow other pro sports and release injury reports
“It is not like going to the cinema, it is not the same as reading a book or listening to music. It is a commodity that has a risk of harm to health for some people.”
—Dr. Heather Wardle, Glasgow University, talking about the difference between gambling and other forms of entertainment
