“It is clear to me that during all relevant times which regularly in relation to the aggregation issue transactions should have been identified that warranted identified and as problematic.”
—Steven Blackburn, chief compliance and financial crimes officer, Crown Resorts, in an incomprehensible response to a question about money laundering risks at Crown Perth
“I don’t think there is so much anti-casino sentiment from the Japanese public. There is very little awareness overall about what an IR really even is. People who are ‘anti-anything’ are always noisy.”
—Jason Ayers, marketing expert, who says the Japanese people will be “very positive” about integrated resorts once they see how they add to the economy
“Gaming has overshadowed the development of other potential attractions and eclipsed some of the original character of Macau, such as its Euro-Asian heritage.”
—Leonardo Dioko, professor, Macao Institute for Tourism Studies, on the increasing demand for diversification of Macau’s economy
“We invest in geography, demography and economy and Nevada is one of the most dynamic geographies, demography and economies in the country right now. And it’s only likely to get stronger.”
—Ed Pitoniak, president, VICI Properties, on why the REIT is bullish on Nevada
“It’s about making the Japanese local feel like the hero.”
—Takeki Furukubo, Asian gaming industry expert, who says Japan integrated resorts must cater to locals in order to succeed
“It’s time we put an end to multimillion-dollar taxpayer-funded subsidies that prop up a dying industry.”
—Linda Rosenthal, New York state representative, on a bill to cut subsidies to race tracks from video lottery terminals
