“That doesn't mean it's bad business -- if you look at the big (casinos), there's an awful lot of money spent on things that don't generate money at all, ... The large Nevada properties want to be all things to all people and provide this service to their gamblers.”
“The books themselves take up quite a bit of floor space, and on a cost basis are not the best use of that real estate, ... But they try to be all things to all people. There are good customers who like to bet sports.”
“As far as we can tell, the big poker rooms have continued to grow, but global ratings for poker telecasts around the world have been seeing retrenchment. The future is not going to be like the past year at all.”
“It's socially irresponsible. You really condemn your community to properties that don't offer much beyond machines.... High tax rates really aren't good for anyone in the long run because they grind everything but gambling out of the equation.”
“It's an unfortunate consequence of American history. Gambling is exactly like demon rum was 75 years ago when the temperance movement was agitating. Once you demonize something, it becomes difficult to look at it in any rational way.”
“This prospect of machines at Aqueduct sent shockwaves through industry, ... You're talking about a potential for huge differences in purses - maybe doubling. I think Mr. Decker is right when he says it's a matter of when the machines will spread.”
“Harrah's is putting together some very, very strategic real estate, ... You look at that, you look at Caesars Palace and the implication is that Harrah's is: a) Making a no-brainer investment; b) Is making provision for a major expansion in its Strip presence. I look at the map; I couldn't read it any other way. That's something the company needs Š a greater presence on the Strip.”
