“We have never promoted gambling in Mainland China, we have never committed any crime anywhere in the world, we have never used illegal means to recover our debts and we have always operated our VIP rooms in a law-abiding manner.”
—Alvin Chau, chief defendant in the Suncity illegal gambling trial, in a final statement protesting his innocence
“We urge Cambodian authorities to release Chhim Sithar and all detained trade unionists exercising their rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly.”
—U.S. Department of Justice, in a statement of support for jailed labor activist Sithar, who represents laid-off gaming workers and protestors at Cambodian casino NagaWorld
“We are especially paying attention to Japan’s rich ‘baby boomers.’”
—Ko Byoung Hun, Casino Policy Division for Jeju, describing the target customer for the South Korean island’s gaming industry
“I’m not adventurous and greedy. I didn’t dare to commit any crimes.”
—Ho Cheng I, former cage director at Macau junket Suncity, who wept as she declared her innocence on charges of illegal gambling
“Illegal gambling sites can destabilize our society and discredit our country.”
—Cheap Sotheary, human rights activist in Preah Sihanouk Province, Cambodia, applauding the crackdown on illegal iGaming in Sihanoukville
“If there is an over-redaction of material that the public has not had an opportunity to consider prior to us taking action, I think it would be inappropriate for us to take action at this time.”
—John MacIver, chairman of the Florida Gaming Commission, on publishing as much as possible of an agreement between the owners of Magic City Casino and the purchaser, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians of Alabama—before taking action to approve the sale
“Hours of extensive research, as well as customer insight of existing players and casino considerers, resulted in a transformational brand identify switch as Grosvenor Casinos looks to set itself apart from its competitors now and in the future.”
—Sarah Sculpher, marketing director of Grosvenor Casinos, on the U.K.-based gaming company’s rebrand as more “stylish” and “fun”
“This long-awaited and much-needed bill takes a responsible approach to balancing the freedom to gamble with the safeguards to protect people from falling prey to addiction. This bill provides a clearer framework for operators and for consumers.”
—Micheál Martin, prime minister of Ireland, upon the publishing of the new Gambling Regulation Bill
“New gamblers are often drawn in with marketing campaigns citing, ‘free bets’ or even, ‘free money.’”
—Pete Harckham, New York State Senator, speaking about a bill he introduced to regulate such promotions.
“I don’t want to cast stones at any of the competition.”
—Erin Chamberlin, senior vice president of regional operations for Penn Entertainment, telling gaming commissioners that there are worse gaming operators than her company
