Macau's Special Administration Region Chief Executive, Ho HauWah said that there are no plans to rescue Las Vegas Sands. On Monday, Las Vegas Sands announced that it will temporarily stop work on 2 of its casino projects in Cotai Strip due to a shortage of funds, a step which Mr. Ho said is only natural as the company is over extended both in the US and Macau.

Las Vegas Sands has 3 casino resorts in Macau including the "Venetian Macao". Despite some unemployment that may result as the suspension of work, Mr. Ho said that the government would not interfere in private enterprises.

The department of labour in Macau has been in discussion with the management of the Las Vegas Sands regarding guaranteed jobs for the locals. Ho added that if a gaming operator goes bankrupt, the SAR government will step in and take over the casinos concerned. Lowering of the direct gaming taxes on casino revenues to help operators during the economic slowdown has been ruled out.

A spokesman for Las Vegas Sands said other casinos were still on track, including the $2.7 billion Marina Bay Sands which is set to open in Singapore at towards the end of 2009.

Almost a quarter of the gambling market in Macua is controlled by Las Vegas Sands, with its flagship, Venetian Macao Hotel Resort taking $2.18 billion in revenues during its first year of operation, now it looks as if the casino empire is crumbling.