“In the next one or two years, Macau operators are unlikely to make investment decisions, as the license bidding process is still unclear. It’s too risky to invest with concerns on whether the business can continue in two or three years.”
—Hoffman Ma, deputy chairman, Success Universe Group, who says Macau’s gaming firms will put a lid on investment until their concessions are renewed
“It’s not for me to say, but I believe that Macau is a very unique economic engine for China and the Macau government, and I just don’t see it playing heavily into a global trade narrative.”
—Jim Murren, CEO, MGM Resorts International, who doesn’t believe U.S.-China tensions will affect Macau’s license renewal process
“We are not seeing a rosy picture for 2019, as Macau’s business depends on China’s economy and policies so much. If next year we can still have some growth, it’s already good news for us.”
—Andrew Lo, executive director, Suncity Group, on the expected slowdown in Macau’s gaming sector
“We have to get a hold of more family tourists rather than gamblers. We have to offer more diversified accommodation.”
—Ricardo Siu Chi-sen, professor of business administration, University of Macau, on the SAR’s “long-term trend”
“In Macau some players can just pull some strings and get a lot of money. It’s not easy for us to follow these regulations since players can just go to other companies.”
—Levo Chan, CEO, junket investor Tak Chun Group, who says the Macau government should help casinos collect outstanding debts
“It’s fun that we are together to gamble a little, but not too much. Now China’s market condition is not very good—not so easy to earn back the money if you lose too much.”
—Mary Wang, Mainland China tourist visiting Macau for Golden Week, illustrating why Macau’s gaming sector may see a decline in 2019
“You all seem quite concerned about this question but I can’t give any related news.”
—Paolo Martins Chan, director, Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, who claims he knows nothing about the government’s concession renewal plans
“If operators try to play international politics in Macau, they may get into trouble.”
—Carlos Lobo, Macau lawyer, who says U.S. gaming firms up for renewal in the SAR will be treated fairly, despite the U.S.-China trade war
“The question is going to be not whether the pain is coming, but how long it’s going to last.”
—Linette Lopez, Business Insider, on economic clouds gathering over Macau
“We got the idea when we were at the Vatican.”
—Matt Maddox, Wynn Resorts CEO, on the unlikely inspiration for a planned immersive theater at Wynn Palace in Macau
“No. I’ll just say huwag na lang. Anyway it’s a privilege, whether I put it in writing or say it verbally.”
—Rodrigo Duterte, president of the Philippines, who says he needs no executive order to keep casinos off Boracay Island. “Huwag na lang” in Tagalog means “Forget it”
“I am frustrated with the delay in the implementation of sports gaming, and hopeful that it will be available in the very near future. Sports gaming provides the state with revenue that offsets reliance on taxes to support essential state services, such as education and fixing roads and bridges.”
— Dominick J. Ruggerio, president of the Rhode Island Senate, venting over delays in offering sports betting in the state
“I see folks from Connecticut, from Massachusetts all coming. New Hampshire. Why not? We’re the only game in town.”
—Mike Barlow, head of operations of Twin River Management Group, commenting on sports betting coming to the Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island
“We are convinced sports lottery games will provide new and exciting experiences for our players while significantly increasing dollars being transferred to our scholarship fund for student beneficiaries.”
—David Barden, chief executive officer of the New Mexico Lottery, announcing the first sports lottery game in the nation in partnership with Intralot
“The growing online sports betting industry is fast becoming a major hub in the world of sports. I’ve teamed up with PointsBet to expand the awareness of their tools and resources to sports fans on a global level. Fans will be able to gain insights on their favorite teams and engage in league news throughout the season. I am truly excited to partner with PointsBet, a company with drive and passion as the leader in online sports betting.”
—Darrell Revis, former NFL star, in a press release announcing he will serve as a business partner and the face of PointsBet digital sportsbook.
“This is a call to action to join the race to the top. A race to put your customers, their enjoyment and their safety at the top of the agenda for your management meetings, your board meetings and meetings with your investors. “A race to approach the minimum requirements we impose as exactly that: minimums not maximums. A race to look for real solutions to the public health issue of gambling-related harm.”
—Neil MacArthur, UK Gambling Commission Chief executive to the British Gambling Industry at the Commission’s “Raising Standards Conference” hosted at the ICC in Birmingham
