TLDR
- Sands China trained 42 employees through its Responsible Gaming Ambassador Advanced Training Programme in late August 2026.
- The programme, now in its 11th edition, focuses on helping frontline staff spot and handle gambling-related concerns.
- Training included lectures, role-playing, video scenarios, and testing, with a certificate issued by UNLV’s International Gaming Institute.
- Speakers included experts from UNLV, the University of Macau, and Sheng Kung Hui Macau Social Services Coordination Office.
- The programme has trained more than 1,000 people since it launched in 2013, and all 28,000+ Sands China staff receive baseline responsible gaming training.
Sands China has finished the latest round of its Responsible Gaming Ambassador Advanced Training Programme. The casino operator based in Macau trained 42 employees in late August 2026.
This marks the 11th edition of the programme. It is designed to help staff who deal directly with customers.
The training focused on giving frontline employees the skills to notice signs of problem gambling. It also covered how to respond when a concern comes up.
According to a company statement, the sessions were meant to build a deeper understanding of gambling disorder among staff.
What the Training Covered
The programme used a mix of teaching methods. These included lectures, scenario-based video clips, interactive games, role-playing exercises, and testing.
The goal was to give employees practice with situations they might actually face on the casino floor. Organizers said this hands-on approach helps staff apply what they learn in real time.
Once the training is complete, participants receive a certificate. It is issued by the International Gaming Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
This year’s edition featured a session led by Alan Feldman, head of strategic initiatives at UNLV’s International Gaming Institute. He spoke about recognizing signs of problem gambling and how to talk with people who may be struggling.
Davis Fong Ka Chio, director of the Institute for the Study of Commercial Gaming at the University of Macau, also took part. He gave an update on responsible gaming policy in Macau and current trends in the local gaming industry.
Counsellors from the Sheng Kung Hui Macau Social Services Coordination Office joined the programme as well. They outlined counselling services available to the public and walked through a four-step model for handling gambling-related cases.
Company Says Training Is a Core Focus
Wilfred Wong Ying Wai, executive vice chairman of Sands China, said responsible gaming is a core part of the company’s approach to corporate social responsibility. He called it a foundation for the long-term growth of Macau’s tourism and leisure sector.
Sands China requires all employees, more than 28,000 in total, to complete responsible gaming training when they are hired. This advanced programme builds on that baseline training for selected staff.
Participants in the advanced programme get more detailed instruction. This covers spotting warning signs, communicating with affected customers, and understanding where to direct people for support.
The company said the approach is meant to strengthen awareness specifically among staff who interact with customers most often.
The Responsible Gaming Ambassador Advanced Training Programme started in 2013. It has trained more than 1,000 participants since then.
The programme is updated every year. Changes reflect shifts in the gaming industry and align with responsible gaming rules set by Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau.
This year’s edition brought together input from UNLV, the University of Macau, and a local social services group. Sands China said this combination gives employees perspectives from academic and community-based experts.
