Macau premium mass players average wager surpasses 2019 levels

Citigroup’s latest analysis highlighted the resilience of Macau’s premium mass players, with the average wager per player much higher than 2019 levels. A survey conducted over the annual Macau Grand Prix weekend revealed that while there were 21% fewer players than in November 2019, the total wager reported was 9% higher. This translates to a 37% increase in the average bet per player, demonstrating the superior quality of the premium mass market.

The survey found that average minimum bets were 10% higher than pre-COVID levels, reaching HK$2,025 (US$260), in addition to the positive wagering trends. Experts’ observations of excited customers lining up at upscale retail stores like Chanel and Hermes further demonstrated the dominance of the premium mass market. Citigroup says this illustrates mainland Chinese tourists’ continued strong propensity for luxury shopping.

Examining individual properties, Sands China’s Plaza and Galaxy Macau stand out as the premium market leaders. With 38% of the premium mass rooms that were observed, Galaxy Macau had the highest average wager of any operator, coming in at HK$26,319 (US$3,375). Particularly strong was the Apex room in Sands China’s Plaza, which had the highest average wager in a single room at HK$63,077 (US$8,090).

Wynn had a decline in observed market share over the research period, while SJM’s Grand Lisboa Palace had only one player. Conversely, the Grand Lisboa located on the peninsula proved to be competitive. The premium mass category’s overall strength might be attributed to high-rolling players, sometimes referred to as “whales.” The research discovered 18 of these whales in November, five more than in the corresponding month of 2019. The positive changes in Macau’s premium mass category demonstrate the area’s continued COVID-19 pandemic recovery.

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Original story by: IAG