Las Vegas Sands Corp. is winding down its online gaming initiative, Sands Digital Services (SDS), resulting in the loss of 300 to 400 jobs—approximately 150 of which are in Las Vegas. The decision reflects a strategic pivot away from digital gambling and a renewed emphasis on the company’s strongholds in Asia.
SDS was initially created to offer B2B live-dealer services streamed to licensed iGaming jurisdictions in the U.S., such as New Jersey and Michigan. But after a recent internal review, executives concluded the project no longer aligned with the company’s long-term direction.
“As has always been the entrepreneurial approach of our company, investments in SDS were made with the understanding there would be multiple points in the process where we would assess the most pragmatic path forward,” Sands President and COO Patrick Dumont wrote in a letter to employees dated October 2.
“Ultimately, we reached a moment in which it was clear to executive leadership and our board of directors that further pursuit of this business was no longer aligned with the company’s core long-term objectives,” he added.
While affected employees may apply for other roles within the company, most available positions require different qualifications, according to a Sands spokesperson.
Brief Digital Foray Ends
Sands ventured into the digital space in 2021 after selling its Las Vegas Strip properties – the Venetian and Palazzo – to Apollo Global Management and Vici Properties. It soon acquired assets from Qbet, a Curaçao-based iGaming provider, and formed SDS to support online gambling operators in regulated markets.
However, the project never launched a full product or platform. The closure marks a return to the company’s historically cautious stance toward online gambling, a position championed by founder Sheldon Adelson.
Adelson, who died in 2021, strongly opposed iGaming and even founded the Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling in 2014. He once pledged to “spend whatever it takes” to prevent what he viewed as a threat to society and traditional casinos.
Despite the post-Adelson shift toward digital investments, Sands appears to be realigning with its earlier philosophy.
Renewed Focus on Macau and Singapore
With the digital division shut down, Sands is redirecting its resources toward its flagship markets in Macau and Singapore. The company operates several properties in Macau, including the Venetian Macao, and is expanding its Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore.
“Overall, we remain very fortunate to operate in the two best markets in our industry,” Dumont wrote. “We continually meet and exceed the commitments we have made to our host markets.”
Sands emphasized its commitment to innovation and shareholder value but made it clear future investments will align with its core land-based strategy.
Online gambling remains illegal in Macau and tightly regulated in Singapore, where only Singapore Pools is permitted to offer remote betting. Earlier this year, Sands also withdrew from bidding on a New York casino license, citing concerns about potential iGaming legalization.
“The digital landscape continues to evolve, and technology and innovation will continue to play an important role in our industry,”Dumont noted. “As a company, we will continue to explore and invest in opportunities that are in the best interests of our shareholders.”
Source:
“Las Vegas Sands shuts down digital gaming project, ends 150 local jobs”, reviewjournal.com, October 3, 2025
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