“Three other operators continue moving forward with their development plans and are at various stages of the construction process. Based on their current progress, we may see a cluster effect as early as 2021 or 2022.” —Summit Ascent Holdings, operator of Tigre De Cristal in Vladivostok, Russia, which has been waiting for that ‘cluster’ of casinos since it opened in late 2015
“The Chinese nationals engaged in gambling-related crimes have gone too far in disturbing our country. They are into illegal drugs and dirty drug money laundering.” —Ace Barbers, Philippine representative, who fears Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have opened doors to illegal drugs and organized crime
“I’m telling you, it has returns. It’s high risk, high return for the Philippines as an economy. It’s now breaching 1 percent of GDP … This is not for one mind to crack.” —Joey Salceda, Philippine representative, worried about what would happen if the country heeds China’s call to shut down POGOs; Salceda has referred to China as the Philippines’ “frenemy”
“The exit of Las Vegas Sands and Melco from Osaka certainly increases the probability that the MGM/Orix consortium, which was already a strong contender, wins the RFP there.” —Alex Bumazhny, analyst, Fitch Ratings, adding that MGM still must beat out Genting and Wynn in the race to win an IR license in Osaka, Japan
“The reality is that the current pipeline in just the existing markets (forget about Japan for now) requires EBITDA in Asia to literally double, even as the boom years in China GDP growth are behind it, and as so many of Asia’s wealthy individuals have already been captured.” —Union Gaming, which sees a “supply glut” in the Asian gaming industry
“Sheldon Adelson says Asia can support 10 Las Vegases. I believe Phnom Penh can be one of them.” —Chen Lip Keong, owner of NagaWorld in the Cambodian capital
“Lineup information is obviously paramount to NBA handicapping.” —Matt Chaprales, PointsBet USA head of content, on rules changes that may provide bettors with more info to make an informed wager
“We look forward to supporting the New York Jets in every way by promoting them to the best of our abilities.” —Yaniv Sherman, head of group commercial development at 888casino NJ, speaking about the benefits of his company’s promotion deal with the Jets
“I’m happy about the ruling, and it is consistent with the vibes I got from Judge Rendell during oral argument. She knows this case.” —Dennis Drazin, operator, Monmouth Park, on a 2-1 decision from a New Jersey appeals court that a suit against sports leagues by state horsemen should stand. The horsemen claim the leagues owe them damages for standing in the way of legal sports bets
