Sands China launched its new “Sands Responsible Gaming Academy” yesterday and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Macau (UM) in order to deepen research, training, and public education in responsible gaming.
The opening ceremony was launched at The Londoner Macao in Cotai, marking a new step in Sands China’s long-running corporate responsibility work that first introduced responsible gaming training to all team members in 2007.
The academy becomes one of the eight sub-academies under the Sands China Academy and is designed to strengthen practices among staff and guests while striving to foster what the company describes as a “more mature and sustainable” gaming environment in the city.
The agreement from the signing of the MOU aligns with the government’s objective to reinforce public awareness and professional training.
Moreover, a certificate presentation was held for graduates of the RG360 Macau Responsible Gaming Specialist Ambassador Course, developed jointly by Sands China and UM’s Institute for the Study of Commercial Gaming (ISCG).
According to a statement provided by integrated resort operator Sands China Ltd yesterday, the course aims to blend academic theory with scenario-based practice and is recognised as the highest tier within Sands China’s ambassador training framework.
Wilfred Wong Ying-wai, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd, attended the ceremony, alongside representatives from other government entities, including the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS), and UM.
In his remarks, Wong called the launch “a significant occasion” for the company’s gaming work, noting that Sands China has “kept up with not only the times, but also the city’s development” since becoming the first operator to introduce both a self-exclusion programme in 2004 and compulsory responsible gaming training in 2007.
He added that the new academy and the MOU with UM aim to “bring forth a more diversified model for curriculum development and training programmes” by merging academic research with industry practice.
Wilfred Wong Ying-wai, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd, addresses yesterday’s “Sands Responsible Gaming Academy” opening ceremony at The Londoner Macao integrated resort in Cotai. – Photo: Khalel Vallo
