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Las Vegas Sands shuts down digital gambling division amid shifting industry pressures

A bold retreat from digital wagers reveals deeper industry divides. From Montana's felony crackdown to Japan's youth gambling crisis, the stakes have never been higher.

,   and  Administrator
1 min read
The image shows a man in a suit and tie speaking into a microphone in front of a wall. He appears...
The image shows a man in a suit and tie speaking into a microphone in front of a wall. He appears to be making a statement, likely in response to the news that the government has approved a bill to ban the use of the internet.

Las Vegas Sands shuts down digital gambling division amid shifting industry pressures

Las Vegas Sands Corp (LVS) has shut down its digital gambling division, Sands Digital Services (SDS). The move follows years of opposition to online betting by the company's late founder, Sheldon Adelson. Meanwhile, authorities in Montana have tightened laws against internet gambling, while Japan faces growing concerns over illegal offshore casino use. LVS announced the closure of SDS, marking a clear shift in strategy. Patrick Dumont, the company's president and COO, stated that the division no longer matched its long-term goals. The decision aligns with the stance of Sheldon Adelson, who strongly opposed legal online gambling in the US before his death.

In the US, Montana has taken a hard line against digital betting. State lawmakers recently made it a felony to offer online gambling services to residents. Offenders now face up to 10 years in prison, reflecting the state's strict approach to curbing illegal wagering. Japan is also grappling with the rise of offshore online casinos. Around 3.37 million people have accessed these sites, spending an estimated ¥1.2 trillion (US$8.8 billion). Shockingly, about 40% of users were unaware that such gambling was illegal. The issue gained further attention after a 13-year-old boy was referred to a behavioural centre for making 7,000 visits to an online casino.

The shutdown of SDS signals LVS's continued resistance to digital gambling. Montana's harsh penalties aim to deter illegal operators, while Japan's high usage rates highlight the challenges of enforcing existing laws. The cases underscore the global debate over online betting regulation and its societal impact.

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