“The state government of both political persuasions has been addicted to poker machine revenue for too long now, it’s causing great harm to the community. Half a million dollars a day is being wasted by people who in some cases can least afford it. Enough is enough.”
—Pat Daley, Liberal councillor, on a campaign to cap poker machine licenses in New South Wales, Australia
“The Productivity Commission noted in its 2010 report that the prevalence of problem gambling had declined, and recent state and territory surveys have shown this trend to be continued.”
—Stephen Ferguson, CEO, Australian Hotels Association, who says less than 1 percent of Australians suffer from problem gambling, despite $24 billion in total wagering losses in 2015-16
“Japan would be 100 percent of my time. I will move here and move the company headquarters to here.”
—Lawrence Ho, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, reiterating his commitment to winning a Japan casino license
“Chinese authorities could not have made the risks of marketing gambling in Mainland China any plainer to Crown or other casino operators, yet Crown ignored these warnings.”
—Andrew Watson, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, on a class action suit filed for investors who lost money after the 2016 arrests of Crown Resorts staff in China
“People are either going to spend their money here or somewhere else. We can’t afford to lose that opportunity. We can use the help.”
—Reading, Pennsylvania Mayor Wally Scott, whose city is vying for one of the satellite casinos to be bid out in January
“This is a novel and innovative economic approach to confronting the impacts of widespread state legalization of gaming. The Tribes and the State should have assurances from the Interior, which are mandated by law, that they have the right to pursue the best economic interests for their citizens.”
—Ernie Stevens, Jr., chairman of National Indian Gaming Association, calling on the Bureau of Indian Affairs to certify changes in the tribal state gaming compacts between Connecticut and its gaming tribes, to allow a third casino in the state
“I’m looking for widespread economic development in Bridgeport, not a box of slots, not a casino, but a resort development that will stimulate tourism to your state, activate multiple industries and weave together the already beautiful tapestry of arts, entertainment, retail, culture that already exists.”
—James Mirren, chief executive officer of MGM, calling for the Connecticut legislature to explore expanding gaming to allow commercial and not just tribal casinos.
