“We don’t come in gangbusters and dictate to anybody what’s best. We want to learn, we want to absorb, we want to refine, we want to collaborate and approach everything in a collaborative fashion. It’s all about learning, respect, educating yourself and reflecting the tastes of the Japanese people and the potential tastes of the tourists to the country.”
—Felix Rappaport, president and CEO, Foxwoods Resort Casino, who says the U.S. tribal firm may be willing to invest up to $3 billion in a Japan IR
“The percentage of foreign ownership is a big deal—if that ownership is less than 50 percent or 30 percent it will upset who we have traditionally viewed as the likely winners of those first three licenses. Some of the people who operate IRs in Asia don’t play very well with other partners, let alone multiple partners.”
—Alidad Tash, senior VP, 2NT8, on concerns by global IR operators that they may not run the show in Japan
“Although the ruling coalition promised that, ‘Based on the IR Promotion Act, we will create secure and attractive Japanese-style IRs that both adults and can enjoy while taking all possible countermeasures regarding issues of concern,’ we are compelled to say that the measures are insufficient. At present, the risks of creating more gambling addicts and debtors are extremely high.”
—Yoshinori Imagawa, chairman, Japan Federation of Shiho-Shoshi Lawyer’s Associations, which wants the country’s IR bill scrapped
“Usually with these mega-buildings the payback is probably three to five years and I think in Japan it’ll be longer. I wouldn’t say 10 years, but definitely longer than your typical Asian development. For instance, Singapore had probably a payback of four years and I think Japan will be longer but the potential is so great that it’s worth the wait.”
—Lawrence Ho, chairman and CEO, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, on how long it would take to recoup a multimillion-dollar investment in Japan
“We are turning our backs to best global practices. Of the 20 richest countries in the world, 93 percent have legalized gaming. Regulating resorts integrated into casinos is urgent! The examples scattered around the world prove that they are an excellent business.”
—Vinicius Lummertz, Brazil tourism minister, in a column in O Globo
“We believe very strongly that one plus one is three. We’ve seen this example over and over in Asia, very successfully, and I’ve seen it in the United States being very successful as well. So we want to see Paradise succeed.”
—Mario Kontomerkos, CEO, Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment, who says his company welcomes competition in South Korean, future home of Inspire
“If the IR Implementation Bill does get through this summer, it would be concluded with licenses awarded in 2020. Companies would be in the ground in 2021 and open by 2025.”
—Rob Goldstein, president and COO, Las Vegas Sands Corp., on the expected rollout of the Japan casino industry
“We are doing a lot of preparatory work. But it is not yet the time to make an announcement.”
—Paulo Martins Chan, director, Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, who is still mum about plans for the city’s casino concession renewals
“It is quite interesting that the increase in casino revenues is big. What about their donations? Do they also increase?”
—Lin Guangzhi, director, Macau Institute for Social and Cultural Research, who says Macau casinos should be more generous in their charitable donations
“Five billion U.S. dollars, if the government wants.”
—David Chow, Macau Legend Development, on how much he’s willing to invest in an IR if Macau adds new gaming concessions
“I do not need local partners. We have enough money.”
—Sheldon Adelson, chairman and CEO, Las Vegas Sands Corp., stating the obvious-Adelson wants to spend billions on an IR in Brazil
“There are about 20 states ready with legislation to put in place. The first states to do it will be more embracing of gambling. South Carolina will wait and see how they do.”
—John Grady, assistant professor of sports entertainment management at the University of South Carolina, on sports betting
“The integrity of the game and what takes place on the courts and in the fields and every place else is really important. This just gives you another reminder of staying on top of that on a regular basis.”
—Greg Byrne, University of Alabama athletic director, on how sports betting will affect college sports
“We are in a new dynamic and certainly the concept of having the communication relationship or the advisory opportunity for someone who better understands the realities … is on my mind.”
—SEC commissioner Greg Sankey on how the college sports world has changed with the lifting of the ban on sports wagering
“If everyone is going to be able to instantly bet on their own as to whether this guy is going to be able to make a field goal or whether they’re going to score a touchdown in the red area, that could be a problem.”
—University of Alabama Coach Nick Saban pondering the ramifications of sports betting
