“Maybe if the market crashes temporarily, then it will be another buying opportunity.”
—Matthew Ossolinski, CEO, GW Investment Consulting, who says investors missed the chance to buy up residential property in Hengqin, though commercial space is still a good deal
“While U.S. and Chinese peers with track records in Las Vegas and Macao are competitive, Barriere can offer something totally different as a luxury European brand.”
—Jonathan Strock, director of casino development, Barriere France, on the European company’s plan to bid on a Japanese IR license
“There is still a lot to happen, but it is surely possible to have great expectations about Bolsonaro’s years ahead of Brazil.”
—Marcelo Munhoz de la Rocha, BetConsult, on the prospect of legal casinos under new Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro
“Maryland will be at least two years and millions of dollars behind its neighbors… Legislation to prepare Maryland for the leap into the sports betting industry was introduced in 2017. Instead of recognizing reality, Maryland’s leaders balked. We’re paying the price while our neighbors are cashing the checks.”
—Columnist Jimmy DeButts in a piece for the Capital Gazette criticizing Maryland lawmakers for failing to get sports betting on last week’s ballot for a constitutional referendum, which means the state cannot legalize sports betting until November 2020 at the earliest
“This is one of the few unspoiled spots in the country that will cater to the sun worshipper, the nature lover and the adventurer.”
—Raul Lambino, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, on plans by a Chinese conglomerate to develop an integrated resort in the Philippine province
“We are committed to creating a business that’s right for the community, not trying to create a community that’s right for our business.”
—Jim Murren, MGM Resorts International, on the U.S. company’s approach to winning an IR license in Japan
“The harsh reality is that this trade war is merely a symptom of a growing divergence between the US and China; a little diplomatic bonhomie will therefore not alter that systemic trend.”
—Steve Vickers & Associates, in a report that says any accord between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will not erase underlying tensions
“Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong used to compete with each other. Now is the best time to join together and entice overseas travelers away from other regional blocs such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.”
—Li Xieju, president, Guangzhou Travel Services Association, on the benefits to be derived from the opening of the new Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge
“Macau is tiny. Our reliance on the gambling industry is not good for sustainable growth.”
—Alex Ip, Multinational Travel Group, who says Macau needs diverse attractions for new travelers expected to visit via the HKZM Bridge
“The Santa Ana Pueblo opened a sports betting parlor on Oct. 16, then the state lottery board voted unanimously to offer a sports betting lottery game. The Santa Ana operation is in violation of federal law, and the lottery would violate state law.”
—Dr. Guy C. Clark , chairman, Stop Predatory Gambling N.M. on the recent decision by Santa Ana Pueblo to unilaterally offer sports betting in New Mexico
“What is the harm in trying? We literally missed the boat in the ’90s. Portage and Porter County have lost countless millions that could’ve paved miles of roads, built state-of-the-art facilities, and offered scholarships to Portage students. I think it is something worth considering.”
—Portage, Indiana City Council member Colin Czilli, urging the city to bid for a casino license that is suddenly available
“My view is that if the lottery moves forward with sports betting, that’s illegal. This is them going rogue like they have gone with the ‘Play at the Pump.’ They never had the authority to do that.”
—Jason Harper, New Mexico state representative, questioning the legality of the Lottery Authority authorizing a sports betting lottery
