(Jan 26): Las Vegas Sands Corp will invest at least US$3.8 billion (RM16.16 billion) in new facilities in Macau over the next 10 years, as part of the renewal of its concession to operate casinos in the market.

About 92% of the planned spending will be in non-casino attractions, including meeting space, entertainment facilities and a new garden attraction, Sands said in a presentation to investors on Wednesday (Jan 25).

The total investment, which doesn’t include approximately US$1.1 billion in operating expenses, could be higher, according to Sands chief executive officer Rob Goldstein.

“We have a very strong future ahead of us in Macau,” Goldstein said. “If you’re looking for a negative comment on the Macau market, you’re on the wrong earnings call.”

Sands and other casino operators renewed their licences to operate in Macau last year. The renewals included commitments to investing in the region, especially in non-casino attractions, as authorities look to expand tourism beyond hardcore gamblers.

Macau had been the largest casino market in the world for a number of years, but faced challenges recently due to Covid-19 pandemic-related restrictions in travel. 

Sands, which sold its Venetian casino complex in Las Vegas last year, reported sales that were better than last year, but fell just shy of analysts’ projections. Shares gained as much as 6.5% in late trading after the report.