“Unfortunately the side effect of cryptocurrency is the anonymity it provides. A number of extortion cases I have dealt with involving kidnap, ransom and other offenses had a ‘crypto’ element, unfortunately. This is something that governments need to get their heads around now, before it becomes more difficult.”
—Steve Vickers, risk consultant and former police officer, who says “certain very colorful characters” in Macau have “shown an interest in cryptocurrencies”
“We believe by taking a public stance we may also contribute to encouraging others to join the fight. After all, two-thirds of the world’s slaves are reported to be in Asia.”
—Grant Bowie, CEO, MGM China, on the company’s choice to sign a pledge against modern slavery, an initiative of the nonprofit Mekong Club
“Traditionally we’ve been Asia-based, but we have global aspirations and want to be a 21st century gaming operator. Cyprus is a fast growing market with a lot of potential.”
—Lawrence Ho, Melco Resorts & Entertainment chairman, on the Hong Kong-listed company’s venture developing the first casino resort in Cyprus
“We need to find out if Indian country is ready to move ahead if there is a full or partial repeal of PASPA. So far the reaction has been mixed.”
—Debbie Thundercloud, chief of staff of National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) on the uncertain attitude of tribes towards legalizing sports betting
“We’re going to be pretty prepared to go if we don’t get some satisfaction.”
—Steve Stallings, chairman of California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) on the possibility of suing California over tribal demands about card clubs
“Really, we just want to have some uniformity state to state. There could be some operator out there that isn’t doing things by the book. As of right now, customers don’t have any recourse because there’s no regulator.”
—Sean Ostrow of the Fantasy Sports Trade Association, commenting on a proposed bill to legalize fantasy sports in Nebraska
“There are times when you hear about an appointment and you think, ‘You know what? The world really is right,’ because here is a highly competent, smart soul who will be in one of our most important leadership roles.”
—Bo Bernhard, executive director of the International Gaming Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, on the appointment of state Senator Becky Harris as the first woman to chair the Nevada Gaming Control Board
“I believe if the U.S. Supreme Court makes a decision that allows states to move freely on this issue, I think they’ll take them up on that offer… I think any casino with any sort of regional footprint in the U.S. is looking at this issue seriously.”
—Chris Grove, managing director of Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, after the company’s prediction that 18 states will introduce bills this year to authorize and regulate sports betting
“We already signed agreements and you’ll see more brands offering live dealer from our studio in the coming weeks. We think sharing our studio with more brands is a win for operators and patrons alike. We also have ongoing discussions with other operators. Golden Nugget’s growth last year, more than twice the market average, is in part attributable to live dealer and has demonstrated that the benefits of offering live dealer far exceeded the extra cost. As we scale with multiple brands, costs are dropping.”
—Thomas Winter, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Online Gaming at Golden Nugget Atlantic City to PlayNJ.com on the success of its live dealer online offerings and studio
“An estimated $90 million will leave Atlantic Canada and go to offshore gambling websites in 2017. These offshore companies do not pay local taxes, contribute no profit to our provincial governments, create no local jobs and do not purchase local products and services. Atlantic Lottery feels that the case to regulate internet casino in our region is becoming more compelling every year. Atlantic Canadians deserve a safe, legal alternative for all of their online gambling entertainment. Atlantic Lottery takes responsible gambling seriously. When responsible practices are in place, online gambling can offer options to help players responsibly manage their play and make informed choices.”
—Joey Cormier, director of marketing for iLottery, in an op-ed piece for the Canadian Telegram
