By Ng Kai Ling

OPERATING profit at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) fell in the third quarter because of lower casino revenue and winnings from high rollers.

For the three months to Sept 30, MBS' profit plummeted 37 per cent to US$260.8 million (S$318.2 million), from the US$413.9 million in the same period last year.

Casino revenue fell by 27.8 per cent from US$651.9 million a year ago to US$470.8 million.

Gaming volume among VIP customers was also down by 29.5 per cent to US$11.9 billion. MBS had lower than expected winning percentage from these customers at 1.79 per cent.