Macau’s Casino Regulator Unveils New Baccarat Side Bets Ahead of Golden Week

October 1, 2024 Macau Casino & Hotel iGaming & Gambling

Macau’s gaming landscape is set to get a fresh twist as the local casino regulator has approved two new baccarat side bets: “Lucky 7” and “Super Lucky 7.” Industry sources have indicated that these exciting additions will likely debut on gaming floors just in time for the upcoming October Golden Week holiday, a peak period for tourism and gambling in the region.

According to the Macau Daily Times, the approval comes from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, which oversees gaming operations in Macau. The new side bets are part of a broader strategy to enhance the gaming experience for visitors and to attract a more diverse clientele. With Golden Week being one of the busiest times for casinos in Macau, the timing of this launch could significantly boost player engagement and revenue.

Payout Structures and Game Mechanics

The “Lucky 7” side bet offers enticing payouts that appeal to players looking for a thrill. For a winning “player” hand with a total value of seven made from two cards, the payout is 6-to-1. However, if players achieve a three-card hand that also totals seven points, the payout jumps to an impressive 15-to-1. This simple yet effective payout structure is designed to encourage players to take risks while playing baccarat.

On the other hand, the “Super Lucky 7” introduces a more intricate payout system with three distinct tracks. The highest potential payout, a remarkable 100-to-1, applies when a winning “player” hand of seven points surpasses a “banker” hand of six points, each consisting of three cards. Additionally, there are lower payout options of 40-to-1 and 30-to-1, depending on the specific card compositions involved. This layered approach adds depth to the game and caters to high-stakes players seeking larger returns.

Both side bets will be available on traditional live table games as well as on the increasingly popular “smart” live-dealer table format. This flexibility allows casinos to adapt to varying player preferences, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Notably, the game mechanics of these new bets are similar to the “Dragon Tiger” baccarat variant found at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, showcasing a growing trend in the region’s gaming offerings.

The introduction of “Lucky 7” and “Super Lucky 7” follows the earlier success of the “Small 6/Big 6” baccarat side bet, which gained popularity among Macau’s six casino operators earlier this year. Launched in conjunction with the May Golden Week holiday, the “Small 6/Big 6” side bet, reminiscent of the “Tiger Baccarat” game in Singapore, offers payouts of 22-to-1 and 50-to-1 based on certain “banker” hand outcomes. The successful integration of this side bet demonstrates a positive reception from players, paving the way for more innovative betting options.

Industry experts believe that these new offerings will enhance the competitive edge of Macau’s casinos, especially as they strive to retain their status as the world’s premier gaming destination. As other gaming hubs like Singapore innovate, Macau aims to maintain its allure through continuous improvements and fresh experiences for visitors.

The Golden Week period in October is a critical time for Macau’s economy, drawing thousands of tourists from mainland China and other regions. The introduction of these new side bets is expected to capitalize on the influx of visitors during this holiday. Casinos are likely to market these bets aggressively, highlighting their unique features and attractive payout structures.