“Congress needs to step in now and call a ‘time-out’ by restoring the decades-long interpretation of the Wire Act.”
—Former Texas Governor Rick Perry, who has announced his candidacy for the presidency in 2016, voicing support in a letter to Congress for the Sheldon Adelson-backed Restoration of America’s Wire Act, which would ban internet gaming
“AGA is aware of no other U.S. industry that must take its assets out of the production of revenue to fulfill its tax reporting responsibilities. The proposed slot reporting guidance would substantially magnify that burden on the casino to the point of serious harm to its business by mandating the use of a marketing tool for tax information reporting purposes.”
—American Gaming Association President Geoff Freeman, in the AGA’s formal statement denouncing the IRS plan to lower the slot win reporting threshold from $1,200 to $600
“You’re going to have to find a way to adapt to the interest of the upcoming consumer. If you don’t interest them, they’re going find other things to entertain themselves.”
—Caesars Entertainment Senior VP Jan Jones Blackhurst, commenting that mobile gaming and online gaming must be central to the casino floor of the future
“Everybody said I was crazy. As soon as somebody said it can’t be done, that really gets my juices flowing, and it can be done.”
—Sheldon Gordon of the Gordon Group, commenting on the opening of the Tanger Outlets, connecting the two casino towers at Foxwoods Casinos in Connecticut, a project that he envisioned
“It is something Muslims object to. It is not something we support. Our religion teaches us that if something is not good you cannot make it better. Gambling is a disease which has caused many families to lose their homes and possessions. It has broken up relationships…. To us, with all due respect, she should have recused herself from that debate and allowed someone else to preside.”
—Inshan Ishmael, Muslim leader in Trinidad and Tobago, who objects to the actions of Senate President Raziah Ahmed in presiding over a casino regulatory bill. Ahmed is also a Muslim
“The whole world now knows about Macau, and we are starting to see more interest from destinations further away from Macau. MGM is focused on developing the arts and culture sector, and I think now it’s starting to see success.”
—Grant Bowie, CEO, MGM China, on efforts to diversify the economy beyond gaming in Macau
“We believe the government will likely provide operators with additional tables in a phased (and likely not overly public) manner.
—Vitaly Umansky, research analyst, who says the Macau government eventually will allow casino operators to exceed a 3 percent annual cap on gaming table growth
“If you look at most casinos, a lot of them are not making returns beyond the cost of their debt. The pie is getting smaller, and more companies are chasing that pie. You have so many casinos chasing the declining pool of consumer dollars.’’
—Keith Foley, senior vice president with Moody’s Investors Service
“We’re going to be very successful in a competitive market.”
—John E. Taylor, chairman of Twin Rivers Management Group, remarking on his group’s intention to build a modest new casino in Tiverton, Rhode Island, along the state’s border with Massachusetts
“It’s not a question of concern for Massachusetts’ licensees. I’m sorry to say it’s a matter of concern for other states. It’s a tough problem.’’
—Stephen R. Crosby, chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, commenting on the strain that the Bay State’s new casinos will put on gaming in neighboring Connecticut and Rhode Island
“Yes, in a market already hobbled by oversaturation, in which casino ledgers are awash in red ink, here is how the market is responding: Let’s build more casinos!”
—Thomas Farragher, columnist for the Boston Globe, commenting upon a “casino arms race” that he says is underway in New England
“Our team has been working diligently to finalize the plans for the new Rivers Casino. I am confident the new layout, design and finishes will make this a premier gaming facility.”
—Greg Carlin, Rush Street Gaming CEO, feeling good about the new plans for Rivers Casino a Mohawk Harbor
“If you don’t know all the rules you’re bound to get yourself in hot water.”
—Johnny Avello, Wynn Resorts Las Vegas Sports book Operator, echoing the sentiments of many confused sports book operators regarding Senate Bill 443, which allows for business entities to bet on sports
“Knowing I’m playing great is a reward in itself. But sadly my chip stack doesn’t reflect it!”
—Phil Hellmuth, Poker Pro, after day one of the $10,000 Razz championship at the World Series of Poker, which he would eventually win.
“This is a victory that further promotes Nevada as the epicenter of sports wagering in North America.”
—Quinton Singleton, CG Technology general counsel, speaking on the passing of Senate Bills 443 and 445, which will allow for business entities wager on sporting events, and for Nevada sports books to set lines in other jurisdictions
