By Andrew W Scott
IAG is based in Macau, but Las Vegas is very close to our heart. The shareholders and senior management of IAG between them have visited Las Vegas hundreds of times over the last 30 years, sometimes for extended periods. Some have even lived in Las Vegas. The connections between the two cities run deep as the world’s two largest centers of gaming, entertainment and leisure. The cities are further connected through operators like MGM, Sands and Wynn, and numerous manufacturer and casino supplier companies with offices in both Las Vegas and Macau.
Three more facts make this awful tragedy even closer to home. Firstly, this terrible act occurred on the eve of G2E, our industry’s largest gathering each year — meaning that many Asian gaming industry executives are currently in Las Vegas. Secondly, the shooting occurred from within a strip hotel. And thirdly, it appears the perpetrator is a regular player at industry properties.
What can be said at a time like this? Words seem meaningless, inadequate, insufficient. But there are some things that should be said. We’re grateful that most of our industry members, while understandably shaken, are unhurt. But we’re incredibly saddened by the loss, grief and misery this single barbaric act has created and will continue to create for decades to come. We add our small voice to thousands of others condemning and deploring the violence. We cannot even begin to imagine the pain and suffering ahead for the survivors, the families, the friends and everyone hurt physically or emotionally. It’s been said so many times now that it’s been reduced to a weak platitude, but our thoughts and prayers are indeed with everyone affected.
But thoughts and prayers are not nearly enough.
We in Macau and other Asian countries do not take kindly to those of other countries telling us what to do, so that must be a two-way street. It is not for us to tell America how to fix her problems, nor will we do so. Instead, we will just repeat this oft-used quote:
It is the height of insanity to do the same thing over and over and expect a different result.
Something has to change.
Andrew W Scott
CEO
Inside Asian Gaming
