“Voters today recognized that the deal we struck in March is a good one for the city. The proposed casino is on New Bedford’s terms. That is why people gave it their support today.”
—Jon Mitchell, mayor of New Bedford, Massachusetts, commenting on the overwhelming “yes” vote his city gave the K.G. Urban proposal for a casino resort
“We are already heavy gamblers in Massachusetts. Opening casinos in Massachusetts will not be a change in order of magnitude in gambling.”
—Stephen Crosby, chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, commenting on the opening of the state’s first casino
“This is a destination casino. It’s got an active and working waterfront, an active and vibrant downtown. This enhances what we already have.”
—Joseph Lopes, city councilor of New Bedford, Massachusetts, reacting to the city’s vote to support a casino resort proposed by K.G. Urban
“Gaming is becoming local, and it will grow because of the convenience factor,” The recent Northeast expansions have actually increased overall casino revenues, but have diminished wins at existing facilities.”
—Steven Norton, a gaming consultant based in Illinois commenting on the opening of the Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, Massachusetts
“It’s failed once, so I’m intrigued as to why whoever’s funding it thinks it won’t fail again. Maybe they’re looking to the increase in outward-bound tourists from China and guessing that they may be the takers. I can’t imagine a lot of Aussie people from the mainland would go there.”
—David Newsome, associate professor in ecotourism, Murdoch University, on a plan to reopen a casino on tiny Christmas Island
“Look at Macau. I think it has nothing to offer, but casino. Our project is different. You don’t have to be a gamer to come here and enjoy the facility we provide. Our objective is to build not only a casino but also an attractive destination for local and international visitors.”
—Philip Falcone, investor, Grand Ho Tram Casino, on draft legislation that may allow the Vietnamese to gamble at home
“Deal-making to iron out a tough budget is not unexpected… But sometimes some bad things can come when lawmakers will do anything to plug a budget gap. Increasing the availability of gambling is one of those bad things.”
—Editorial in the Pottstown (Pennsylvania) Mercury opposing gambling expansion measures being considered in the budget debate that include online gaming, slots at airports and round-the-clock alcohol service at Pennsylvania casinos
“The great thing about Atlantic City is that it is an easy ride to get to from New York or Philadelphia or anywhere else. It is within a couple of hours of 30 million people. It’s got a beach and a boardwalk. It’s that you need to give people a reason to come here.”
—Philadelphia developer Bart Blatstein, touting the entertainment attraction The Playground, now open at the Pier at Caesars Atlantic City
“We want to become a resource for the gaming industry and for government that will help foster dialogue and create best practices for gaming regulators worldwide.”
—Daniel Hamilton, dean of UNLV’s Boyd Law School, shares his hopes for UNLV’s new International Center for Excellence in Gaming Regulation, which will receive $1 million from the state over the next two years
“We’re just excited about the games, and 8 o’clock on July 1, we’ll be playing them.”
—Mike Rodman, executive director of the Deadwood Gaming Association, ecstatic about the introduction of keno, craps and roulette in Deadwood
