“I won’t be presumptuous to talk about a Tokyo bid, an Osaka bid or even an Okinawa bid. I’m talking about the second wave of Japanese gaming, perhaps something more regional. We already have partners who are very actively engaged with us looking for the opportunity to break through. Our Japanese partner is extremely well regarded and very strong within Japan.”
—Joey Lim, CEO, Donaco International, on the company’s interest in Japan’s casino industry, and his willingness to wait for his turn in the market
“Over the years, our state has maintained a longstanding partnership and compact with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribal nations, who employ thousands of Connecticut residents at their casinos. Make no mistake about it—the legislation I signed today is about jobs for the residents of Connecticut, and securing those jobs in our state.”
—Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy, in a statement after signing a bill that authorizes the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes to partner on a third Connecticut casino, meant to protect gaming revenues from new competition in Massachusetts
“Corruption is a serious problem in our country. Although there are many systems designed to regulate and monitor the gambling industry, we must ask ourselves if Brazil is prepared to deal with this sensitive subject. We should not think only in terms of numbers, but also about the social costs. I think Brazil has much more to lose than to win amid the possible legalization of casinos and bingos.”
—Roberto de Lucena, lawmaker and pastor, at the Brazilian Gaming Congress on the long-stalled legalization of casinos in the South American country
“The adverse long-term impact on client sentiment and visitations will linger for the next two to three years, which could force the Resorts World Manila management to change their business strategy.”
—Maybank ATR Kim Eng Securities Inc., in an investor note on potential long-term fallout from the deadly June 2 attack on Resorts World Manila
“My friends and I were crazy about horse gambling 20 years ago. Who do you see reading the horseracing page in the newspaper and going to the Jockey Club to buy tickets? Old-timers!”
—Tony Yu, Hong Kong businessman who used to patronize the territory’s historic Jockey Club horse track
“Be it demands for local control, to restrictions on land into trust, tribal sovereign rights are tested and challenged every day. The California Nations Indian Gaming Association is dedicated to the protection of these inherent rights and will continue to work diligently to this effect.”
—Susan Jensen, executive director of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, discussing what she considers the biggest challenge to the industry
“MGM Resorts International is a world-renown company and while I appreciate their continued belief and investment in our Springfield, simply put, their and my focus should and will be on what we can direct and control—continuing to put a first-class resort establishment in Springfield.”
—Domenic Sarno, mayor of Springfield, Massachusetts, commenting on the signing by Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy of legislation authorizing the state’s gaming tribes to build a third, satellite casino
