Las Vegas Sands’ experience in resort management and MICE activities in the U.S. meant that any party partnering with the operator had a higher chance than others in winning one of Macau’s original licenses, a court heard.
Macau had been looking for partners to help it enrich its tourism offerings to help boost economic recovery.
“This did not mean [the Commission] completely prioritised [LVS] but any party involving [LVS] had advantages,” said Maria Nazaré Saias Portela, a member of the Macau Casino Gaming Commission at the time.
The court is hearing a case brought by Asian American Entertainment, which was LVS’s initial partner in applying for the license. The two parties split and LVS went on to bid with Galaxy Entertainment.
Asian American claims breach of contract and is seeking as much as $12 billion in damages.
