“Addiction is a brain disorder, by which I mean addiction is not only psychological but also neurological. All addiction activates the dopamine reward circuits in the brain—including the addictive usage of games.”
—Ahn Woo-young, psychology professor, Seoul National University, who says there should be no doubt that gaming addiction is real and destructive
“Imagine if a gangster was able to get control over a VIP host—they could do a significant amount of damage. There are many ways to skim money from a casino and criminals will easily figure out how to do it.”
—James Stern, former FBI special agent, on concerns that gangs could infiltrate Japan’s new casino industry
“Our country has to learn how to live truthfully. Otherwise are we going to tell our children that there is no reason to work hard because you can just spend 20 shillings and become a millionaire?”
—Fred Matiang’I, interior cabinet secretary, Kenya. The country’s gaming board recently failed to renew the licenses of some 29 betting companies
“It’s all your favorite sins wrapped up in one.”
—Chad Slater, Morphic Asset Management, of the new company to be formed when Australian supermarket operator Woolworths spins off its drinks and pokies businesses
“We are well underway with respect to the process. All I can say at this point is everything seems to be moving in the timeline that we anticipated. The regulators have been great. It’s very refreshing to have regulators who understand business and have a business acumen.”
—John Levy, CEO and founder of theScore on the company’s plans to launch an online sports betting app through a partnership with Monmouth Park racetrack in New Jersey by the start of the NFL season
“We think R.I. taxpayers should be terrified by this deal.”
—Marc Crisafulli, executive vice president of Twin River Worldwide Holdings, criticizing a $1 billion no bid 20-year Lottery deal between International Game Technology and the state of Rhode Island
“Our new restaurant and well-appointed accommodations will offer our customers a complete destination experience. It’s an exciting time for our tribe as we enter a new phase of growth, building on our rich 20-year history to become a top-notch gaming destination.”
—Daniel Salgado, tribal chairman of the Cahuilla Band of Mission Indians, which has begun building a new casino and hotel in Anza, California
“There are 371 full-time jobs at stake, and we have a moral obligation to fight or every one of the people working at Naskila Gaming.”
—Cecila Flores, chairman of the Alabama-Coushatta, defending the tribe’s fight to keep the Naskila Gaming casino from being shut down by the state of Texas
