“Kirk Kerkorian originally designed this hotel, and we’re going back to that design. Kirk Kerkorian opened this hotel, and what he did was genius.”
—Mark Waltrip, chief operating officer of Westgate Resorts, on the transformation of the Westgate Las Vegas property—opened as the International and the site of Elvis Presley’s comeback concerts beginning in 1969—around a massive Elvis revival
“Sports is a marketplace, and what the marketplace is telling us is that fans want to engage in wagering.”
—Adam Silver, NBA commissioner, again supporting a federal sports betting law during a meeting with a group of Associated Press sports editors
“James Packer is not Jewish, though he actually recently became an Israeli citizen and happens to live next door to Benjamin Netanyahu. James, you are now the first non-Jewish Zionist in history.”
?Brett Ratner, film producer, on Crown Resorts CEO James Packer. A Packer spokesperson denies that the Australian billionaire has become an Israeli citizen
“If the Communist Party and its leadership are dedicated to a peaceful, growing and harmonious China, then it’s hard to believe that they would do anything to sabotage one of their key possessions, Macau, going forward.”
?Steve Wynn, chairman and CEO, Wynn Resorts, on the ongoing decline of Macau’s gaming industry
“Currently, the government aims to adjust the imbalance of revenues gained from gaming and the non-gaming. Only more non-gaming products will help you to win over your competitors.”
?Grant Bowie, CEO, MGM China, who says Macau cannot mimic the Las Vegas format as it tries to develop nongaming in Macau
“Sino-Russia political relations have continued to improve, and the two countries have grown increasingly economically interdependent.”
?Lawrence Ho, co-chairman and CEO of Melco International, on his hopes for a new casino planned for Vladivostok, Russia
“The Hengqin integrated development is a very unique project for us. We see it as an epitome of the synergistic relationship between Macau and Hengqin, representing the future of tourism development of this region. The integrated development shall fulfill a lynchpin role in a multiple-stop itinerary.”
?Pansy Ho, managing director, Shun Tak Holdings Ltd., in a statement about increasing development on Hengqin Island near Macau, which is expected to provide additional nongaming attractions for those visiting the region
“As elected officials, it is our responsibility to do everything we can to protect our citizens. Senate Bill 1090 would give us the ability to do that.”
—Deberey Hinchey, mayor of Norwich, writing in favor of the three casino proposal now before the Connecticut legislature
“I don’t think there has ever been an adequate discussion on just the merits of Internet poker, other than the effect on various interests hoping to profit from it.”
—The Rev. James Butler, speaking against a bill that would legalize online poker in California
“The only entities that can play poker in California are Indian tribes and card clubs, period.”
—Chairman Mark Macarro of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, who opposes the idea of racetracks being allowed to offer online poker
“Some Tiverton residents think a casino would be a terrible idea for their town and would threaten its rural character. Still, because the area would be self-contained from most of Tiverton, other residents seem willing to give the casino a chance.”
—Editorial, the Herald News, commenting on a proposal that would allow the Twin River Management Group to move its existing Newport Grand casino to the town of Tiverton, Rhode Island
“Everything is out of the stratosphere. It shows you the world wide appeal of this fight.”
—Leonard Ellerbe, Floyd Mayweather’s promoter, commenting on the weeks leading up to the fight
“This will be my biggest win ever. This one really counts, it will be in the history books the rest of our lives. I think my guy is ready for it.”
—Freddie Roach, Manny Pacquio’s trainer, hopeful that Manny can pull off the upset
“Somewhere along the way it looks like we are losing control. It’s not a proud moment for the Palms.”
—Dr. Tony Alamo, Nevada Gaming Commissioner, speaking about a 2013 incident which found the Palms facing accusations of drugs and prostitution
“People will go to our resorts because we provide a form of hospitality and entertainment they cannot get at home and they certainly can’t get on the internet.”
—Jim Murren, MGM Resorts International CEO, saying his company will be just fine if a federal ban on internet gambling passes
