“It takes a lot to move the NCAA toward common sense, but this time, the Supreme Court just might be in position to do it.”
—Columnist Dan Wolken of USA Today, writing that college sports would benefit from gambling should the U.S. Supreme Court strike down the federal sports-betting ban
“I think it was time for the junkets’ activity to be controlled, at least at a minimum. It was not good for the development of the activity, nor for the government or society, to let it run wild for so many years.”
—Jorge Neto Valente, Macau lawyer, who says tighter controls on VIP junkets would be good for the casino industry
“Research shows more than 80 percent of Tasmanians want poker machines out of pubs and clubs—I have listened, Labor has listened and we are ready to do the right thing.”
—Rebecca White, Tasmanian Labor politician, on a plan that would remove 2,300 pokies from neighborhood clubs by 2023
“It’s becoming Chinatown here. That’s fine for the rich who own hotels and property, not for everyone else.”
—Thim Sothea, Sihanoukville real estate agent evicted from his office so a Chinese company could move in
“After 2019, eSports will become part of the normal life.”
—Wang Guan, general manager of eSports business for Alisports, on growing interest in the games especially in Macau
“Connecticut now has a second chance to get it right. We have urged the state to establish a process where every operator, including the tribes, can put their best option on the table. The state can then choose how they maximize jobs, maximize revenues.’”
—Uri Clinton, spokesman for MGM, urging a competitive process for siting new casinos in Connecticut
“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.”
—Jim Murren, chief executive officer of MGM Resorts, calling for Connecticut to allow MGM to develop a casino resort in Bridgeport
“I want to put the state of Connecticut in a position where we’re ready to move forward on it. I think it’s going to have equal or bigger impact (than casino expansion) on gaming in the state. I’d like to think I’m all over that.”
—Rep. Joe Verrengia, chairman of the Connecticut legislature’s Public Safety and Security Committee, on legalization of sports betting in the state
“We’re very excited. The bottom line seems that all roads for economic development do lead through Bridgeport, not just for this region but the entire state. The net result of all this competition will be a better deal for taxpayers in the state, Bridgeport and the region.”
—Av Harris, legislative aide to Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, hailing the sudden competition between the Mohegan tribe and MGM Resorts for rights to operate in Connecticut’s largest city
“A casino would create all kinds of jobs. Drive around the city some late morning or early afternoon and come to your own conclusion about why so many young men are milling about aimlessly on corners outside the bodegas.“
—Michael J. Daly, urging that if Connecticut gets another casino, it should be in Bridgeport
