Sheldon Adelson passes away at 87

Casino magnate Sheldon Adelson has passed away at 87 after battling with lymphoma.

The Las Vegas convention visionary and philanthropist spearheaded a major project to bring the Sands name to Macau, opening the first Las Vegas-style casino in May 2004.

Las Vegas Sands Corp. founder and CEO has played a significant part in transforming the Macau SAR into a global powerhouse, building numerous landmarks that has attracted millions of visitors – with the properties, especially The Venetian Macao, becoming one of the tourist’s go-to places.

The Cotai Strip was once a dream of the late Sheldon Adelson, coining the term with regard to constructing a strip of integrated resorts in the city’s former idle island.

Last week, the American company announced that Adelson is taking a leave of absence after resuming treatment for cancer.

He has long suffered from peripheral neuropathy, a disorder that makes it difficult for him to walk. Cancer often made him too weak to come to the office or attend company events.
Adelson, his wife, Miriam, and trusts for the benefit of their children own a majority of Sands shares.

In a note issued by Sands China Ltd., the gaming operator remarked that “Adelson’s contributions to Macau’s tourism industry are well known, beginning with the game-changing Sands Macao in 2004. He then followed up that unparalleled success with yet another game-changer: The Venetian Macao – creating an instantly recognisable and iconic landmark in Macau.”

“That success paved the way for Cotai’s other integrated resort developments, and the transformation of Macao into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Soon after came the opening of the Four Seasons and The Plaza Macao, which was followed by Sands Cotai Central and The Parisian Macao,” it added.

Developing story