“I would like to make the Philippines the next Hawaii, given that there are a lot of great beaches here. In China, Beijing, the air is polluted and I feel there are people there who would want to get away to a fresh place. I think the Philippines would be one of the best tourist spots for everybody.”
—Kazuo Okada, gaming tycoon, on the opening of his new integrated resort, Okada Manila, in the Philippines’ Entertainment City
“Not only is the gaming offering important, both from the table game and slot side, but the experience piece is becoming more of a dominant factor in people’s decision process. The entertainment, the food offerings, the beverage, the atmosphere and environment in the casino, the services they receive from our team members—all now are becoming much more of a decision-maker.”
—Rod Centers, vice president and general manager of the Meadows casino near Pittsburgh, to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on the importance of non-gaming amenities going forward
“Whatever happens, I fear we’re seeing the evolution of a business in which the shots are being called by Vegas bean-counters instead of strong, committed local leadership that recognizes the advantages of a cooperative relationship with neighbors who share in its prosperity.”
—Columnist Bill White of the Allentown Morning Call, on the refusal of Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem to pledge to continue paying local-community host fees while lawmakers devise a replacement for the fee deemed unconstitutional in September
“I’m tired of how bookmakers are constantly misrepresented, and I’m concerned about the impact of any further regulation on bookies. Betting shops are closing at a rate of over 100 per year and with that local authorities are losing yet another business rate paying retailer from their high streets. And without bookies, our high streets will continue to suffer a decline in footfall. My local bookie is a sociable, fun meeting place, with great staff, and I want it to stay that way.”
—Form letter from the Association of British Bookmakers, in response to a review of UK‘s gaming industry that may reduce stakes on fixed-odds betting terminals
“In contrast to many other countries, people in Finland don’t believe that the state is evil and trust that it can carry out these kinds of services. At the same time it shows a rather broad criticism against market liberalism and reflects a fear that all the gambling profits would disappear to tax havens overseas if private gaming companies would take over.”
—Juho Rahkonen, researcher, on a Taloustutkimus poll that shows most Finns want the state to maintain its monopoly on gaming
“Those MPs who accept bookies’ free entertainment must surely realize what this is really about and why all of a sudden they are splashing the cash on them. They’re trying to garner what support they can for their £100-a-spin machines and stave off what looks like an impending clampdown by the government.”
—Spokesman, UK Campaign for Fairer Gambling, on thousands of pounds worth of perks given to MPs last year ahead of a review of fixed-odds betting terminals
“Interestingly, I’ve never been offered any hospitality—not that I would expect to be.”
—Carolyn Harris, Labour MP, who has called for the maximum stake on FOBTs to be reduced, and who has not been offered any free racing tickets
“Have a nice heart. Really take the employees as human beings instead of machines.”
—Loi Ngai Wai, president, Macau labor alliance Ngan Yu Yuen Kung Luen Mang Wui, asking Galaxy Entertainment to pay more for holiday overtime
“One of the interesting things that we did was encourage the casinos to make investment in nongaming attractions like the Harrah’s conference center, like the improvements at Borgata, Tropicana. Those kinds of investments had historically not been made. I think those investments have created a base for investments that might take place over the next couple of years. I’m not saying we are claiming success now, but I am saying that we are on the right path now.”
—John Palmieri, outgoing director of the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority to the Press of Atlantic City on his tenure with the authority
“It’s true that we are leading the nation for Keno sales, and many longtime customers continue to play the game in restaurants and other locations across the commonwealth. However, the Keno market is virtually saturated, which is why we have begun preparing for a period of stagnation.”
—Deborah Goldberg, Massachusetts treasurer, testifying to the legislature about the need for online lottery sales
“Everything is electronic now. Look at the online sales for the holidays. So what’s the difference with people participating on their phone? We have an obligation to have this conversation.”
—Senator Jennifer Flanagan of Massachusetts, arguing for an online lottery
“Our government is determined to have responsible gaming on offer, fighting against compulsive gambling and preventing the outbreak of sites used for illegal gambling.”
—Carlos Leitao, Quebec Finance Minister, explaining why his government plans to cut the number of VLTs in the province
