Las Vegas Sands Terminates iGaming Stint

Las Vegas Sands Corp. is discontinuing a digital gaming initiative, a move that will result in the loss of jobs for 300 to 400 employees, including approximately 150 based in Las Vegas. The decision to wind down Sands Digital Services was made earlier this week after company leadership concluded that the project did not align strategically with the company’s long-term goals.

Las Vegas Sands Discontinues Digital Gaming Project

Patrick Dumont, president and chief operating officer of Sands, explained the situation in a letter to affected employees and senior management. According to it, in line with the company’s entrepreneurial approach, investments in SDS were made with the understanding that several points would arise during the process to reassess the most practical way forward. He added that, ultimately, it became clear to both the executive leadership and the board of directors that continuing to pursue the business was no longer in alignment with the company’s long-term core objectives.

Sands entered the digital gaming sector after selling The Venetian and Palazzo on the Las Vegas Strip to Apollo Global Management Inc. and Vici Properties Inc., and acquiring certain assets from Qbet in 2021. The goal was to create a studio featuring live dealers to offer wagering that could be streamed to licensed online gambling platforms. In the US, iGaming is legal in New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

What Happens Next?

A representative from Sands stated that the 150 local employees who lost their jobs due to the closure could apply for other positions within the company, though most available roles require different skill sets. Meanwhile, Sands has continued to make significant investments in Macao, where it operates the Venetian Macao and several other hotel-casinos, and has committed additional financial resources in line with updated licensing agreements.

Las Vegas Sands continues to make substantial investments in its established markets. In Macao, the company has committed new resources under updated licensing agreements, while in Singapore, the Marina Bay Sands resort remains a key driver of growth. In Q1 2025, Marina Bay Sands generated $605 million in adjusted EBITDA, bolstered by a strong recovery in tourism.

Dumont stated that while the digital landscape continues to evolve and technology remains important, the company is fortunate to operate in the two leading markets in its industry. He emphasized that Sands will continue to focus on opportunities that align with the best interests of its shareholders.