“This just shows how fragile our economy and the tourism industry is: one event like Super Typhoon Yutu can affect our future.”
—Ralph Torres, governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, on the storm that shut down the Imperial Pacific Resort on Saipan
“The Gold Coast is not the most attractive market for a new integrated resort and casino, in our view, relative to other regions within Australia.”
—Macquarie Research, throwing cold water on Hard Rock’s plan to develop a multibillion-dollar casino resort on Australia’s Gold Coast
“If this coup d’etat had not taken place, I foresaw being in three locations— Macau, Japan and Manila.”
—Kazuo Okada, ousted head of Universal Entertainment, who is trying to regain control of the company he founded
“Successful, self-made entrepreneurs are hard to keep down. They die hard, if at all—just like dreams.”
—Bryce Kunimoto, attorney for Kazuo Okada, on the billionaire’s determination to regain control of Universal Entertainment
“This was not an effort to somehow make Arkansas a ‘casino state.’ It was not an effort to do this huge expansion of gambling in the state. It was just an attempt to boost our economy, create thousands of jobs and keep our tax dollars here.”
—Alex Gray, counsel for Driving Arkansas Forward, which just passed a measure allowing for casinos in the state
“This historic announcement represents a new chapter in the rich 114-year history of Oaklawn. As we enhance the entertainment experience for our customers, we will also further elevate thoroughbred racing and help make Arkansas and Hot Springs even stronger regional tourism destinations.”
—Louis Cella, president of Oaklawn Jockey Club, announcing a $100 million racino expansion of the Oaklawn Jockey Club in Hot Springs, Arkansas
“I’m not interested in people sitting in their parents’ basement with their pajamas on betting on a ‘Monday Night Football’ game. I want this to be part of a social entertainment package where people get out and spend money.”
— Chap Petersen, a Virginia state senator who has introduced a sports betting bill for next year’s legislative session
