“In Macau, most of the customers are coming from the mainland and Hong Kong. In Japan’s case, the majority of the guests will be Japanese. … I don’t think there will be much competition between Macau and Japan.”
—Mitsuhiro Wada, Japan’s consul-general in Macau, who says Japan IRs will “welcome guests from all over the world” but offer a distinctly Japanese experience
“If I was in Scott Morrison’s chair, I would introduce a bill that bans gambling advertising. Not just on TV, but everywhere. No more billboards, no more radio commercials, no more signage at stadiums and on sporting goods. Currently, you can’t watch any sporting event on TV without being reminded of the odds. It is rammed down our throats and it needs to stop.”
—Matt Nicholls, Australian sports columnist, on unrelenting gambling ads on Aussie media
“The one thing that we’ve found is customers will slow down their behavior when there’s uncertainty in economies. But it always comes back. People love the business of fun, which is what we do.”
—Matt Maddox, president and CEO, Wynn Resorts, who says the Wynn resorts in Macau are well-positioned to “capitalize on any market condition”
“I have regular dialogue with Beijing and I’ve had my courtesy talk, and Beijing and Macau were supportive. At the same time, they understand that as a company that’s listed in the U.S., we’re obligated to do our own thing.”
—Lawrence Ho, chairman and CEO, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, revealing he got the thumbs-up from China for his acquisition of a stake in Crown Resorts
“This government couldn’t even organize a chook raffle. It wouldn’t be surprising if potential investors observing this debacle ran a mile.”
—Mark Parton, opposition gaming spokesman said the Canberra government’s handling of the negotiations could put other investors off
“I would love to see Vegas be somewhat of a Disneyland for eSports. A place where a customer or consumer or fan of eSports for that matter looks at Las Vegas as if it is Disneyland, and there’s an expectation that something eSports related is going on in our city.”
—Lovell Walker, head of the eSports department at MGM Resorts International, on the emphasis on eSports by Vegas casinos as a way to attract younger patrons
“I’m not saying the other casinos aren’t nice, but if you come here you will see the Wynn attention to details and the brighter lights and the chandeliers and the flowers and the carousel—everything that is known for the brand that you wouldn’t get at the other properties.”
—Doug Williams, head of table games for Encore Boston Harbor, on the difference between this casino and others in the Northeast region
“This is what happens. You build the anchor and then, all of the sudden, everyone looks around and goes, ‘Wow, look at the opportunity.’ ”
—Matt Maddox, chief executive officer of Wynn Resorts on the collateral effects he expects from the just opened Encore Boston Harbor casino in Everett, Massachusetts
“I’m not a perfect man, made some mistakes. Stay away from the casinos.”
—Larry Earnest Tillery, who pleaded guilty to running an illegal bookmaking and money laundering operation in Beaumont, Texas for more than 30 years with his wife and son
