Las Vegas Sands Ends Digital Gaming Venture Amid Strategic Shift
Las Vegas Sands Ends Digital Gaming Venture
Las Vegas Sands Corp has decided to exit the digital gaming space, leading to the termination of 300 to 400 jobs, including about 150 positions located in Las Vegas. This move reflects a strategic realignment after company leaders determined that the digital gaming project no longer fits the long-term vision of the organization.
Reasons Behind the Digital Gaming Exit
Patrick Dumont, President and COO of Las Vegas Sands, addressed the affected staff and management through a letter explaining that the company initially viewed its Sands Digital Services investment as an exploratory initiative. However, as the project evolved, it became clear to senior management and the board that continuing the venture was not consistent with the company’s core long-term priorities.
Background of the Digital Gaming Initiative
The company ventured into online gaming following the sale of The Venetian and Palazzo hotels on the Las Vegas Strip to Apollo Global Management Inc. and Vici Properties Inc. In 2021, Las Vegas Sands acquired specific assets from Qbet to develop a live dealer studio aimed at delivering interactive betting experiences streamed to licensed internet gambling platforms. In the United States, online gambling is legally permitted in states such as New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Future Plans and Company Focus
Las Vegas Sands has encouraged the 150 affected Las Vegas employees to explore other employment opportunities within the company, although many available roles require different skills. Meanwhile, the company continues to invest heavily in its established markets such as Macao and Singapore.
In Macao, Las Vegas Sands operates the Venetian Macao along with various other hotel-casinos and has pledged further investments under revised licensing agreements. Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands resort also remains a vital component of the company’s growth strategy, achieving $605 million in adjusted EBITDA during the first quarter of 2025 amid a tourism rebound.
Looking Ahead
According to Dumont, although technology and digital realms continually change, Las Vegas Sands benefits from operating in two of the most significant and mature markets in the gaming industry. The company intends to prioritize ventures that best serve its shareholders’ interests moving forward.
