The shareholders eligible will be those registered as members of the company on Monday 4 February.

Sands China directors say the interim dividend is expected to be paid on Friday 22 February.

The Macau casino operator is currently trading at HK$36.60 per share, enjoying a rise in value since the start of the month, when shares were priced at HK$32.80.

However, share prices peaked at HK$48.55 a year ago, with Sands China value generally falling until September, when prices began to recover.