“Recently, I’ve been fond of saying, ‘The end of the world happens only once, but this isn’t it.’ What we’re going to need is a broader national conversation about the economic impact this has brought and the social impact on the shutdown of businesses.”
—Joe Asher, CEO, William Hill US, predicting long-term consequences for the economy from the Covid-19 virus
“As we confront extraordinary events and an unprecedented global pandemic crisis, we know that this is an extremely challenging and uncertain time for many of our employees, their families, friends and neighbors and we are committed to help those in need.”
—Bill Hornbuckle, president and CEO, MGM Resorts International, on the firm’s newly established Employee Relief Fund
“I think what we’re doing with the shutdown is good, but in a few weeks people will need to be around people. Otherwise, you’re going to go into an economic crisis that’s going to take us years to dig ourselves out of.”
—Tilman Fertitta, billionaire Golden Nugget owner, who said casino closures are “very hard on working families, but we have to survive or there’s no company”
“Crown doesn’t offer a unique community service. It is not a special place. It undermines confidence in government measures to contain the virus by giving Crown a free ride to remain open.”
—Anthony Byrne, Australian Labor politician, blasting Crown Resorts for attempting to stay open during the coronavirus crisis
“Not only is the support needed now, but even more support is going to be needed because of the economic impact of our parents not working and our kids not in school afterwards.”
—Stephanie Koch, CEO, Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City, on donations of food from local casinos closed by the Covid-19 virus
“Should you need to consider a reduction in staff hours, review these decisions with a gender-equitable lens. Question why these decisions are being made—don’t reduce a female’s hours just because she may have a partner that is able to support her, or children at home to look after.”
—Helen Galloway, CEO, Women in Gaming & Hospitality Australia, reminding operators to treat employees with gender-neutral policies during the current crisis
“Despite the circumstances, we are so incredibly appreciative of any support that we receive from our casinos. Through and through, all year round, they’re big supporters of our mission and are constantly donating food or monetarily.”
—Christy Fernandez, Community Food Bank of New Jersey, giving thanks for donations of food from Atlantic City casinos
“We are rotating staff more regularly on the gaming floor, effectively reducing extended contact with individuals.”
—Spokesperson, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, on social distancing measures
“There’s no way in hell you can shut down that Boardwalk. People have to have some type of relief, and that Boardwalk and beach are the best ways to stay by themselves, or jog, walk or ride a bike. Dumbest thing I ever heard was closing the boardwalks.”
—George Tibbitt, Atlantic City councilman, scoffing at the decision by another South Jersey city to close local beaches and boardwalks
“People cannot be cavalier about these things and must take them extremely seriously because lives and livelihoods are at stake.”
—Scott Morrison, Australian prime minister, on reports of people hitting the beach during the coronavirus shutdown, which closed the country’s casinos
“It is my fervent hope that these preparedness measures remain just that. But we will be prepared. We will not be left scrambling. We will be ready to act decisively to protect the health of our residents.”
—Phil Murphy, governor of New Jersey, on the decision to create FEMA hospitals at sites including the Atlantic City Convention Center
“If you’re a problem gambler and you have all this extra time on your hands sitting at home, we need to ensure these temptations are not there.”
—Carolyn Harris, U.K. MP, urging iGaming operators to refrain from “stepping up marketing” during the coronavirus pandemic
“During this unprecedented time in history, United Way would like to thank Foxwoods for recognizing the importance of coming together to meet the pressing needs of our community during this difficult time.”
—Dina Sears-Graves, United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, thanking Foxwoods for donating 22,029 pounds of food, the equivalent of 18,355 meals, to the local food bank
“I think the state will take whatever money they need to get through this. This is turning out to be a real major disaster.”
—Joseph Perry, Tiverton, Rhode Island councilman, predicting the city might not get its promised $3 million annual payment from the local casino because of interrupted operations
“Poker is not really important right now in the grand scheme of things. We want to see social distancing. We want everyone to be safe and healthy and not to worry about the World Series of Poker.”
—Seth Palansky, vice president, World Series of Poker, on whether the event will begin as planned in May
“Your life and the life of your neighbors and family members will always be more valuable to me than the perceived and mistaken economic gain we have by cutting this isolation period short or by waiting one more day to get serious.”
—Steve Sisolak, Nevada governor, on his decision to close all non-essential businesses in the state
“All else considered, the public will all be in need of some Jersey Shore time, and that includes casino visits.”
—Bob Ambrose, former Atlantic City casino executive, on the welcome day visitors can return to the resort town
“People who are already in a vulnerable position may end up in an even worse situation.”
—Jennifer Davis Walton, program director, 1-800-GAMBLER, on concerns that being housebound may cause compulsive gamblers to play more
