Macau Premium-Mass Wagering Surges 33% Month-on-Month in July
2026-07-28
Source: Global Gaming Insider
Macau's observed premium-mass wagering rebounded 33% month-on-month to HK$13bn in July, though still 19% below last year. The data also highlighted Galaxy Macau's strong performance tied to a non-gaming event and continued shrinkage of the junket sector.
Premium-Mass Rebound
Macau's premium-mass segment saw a notable recovery in July, with observed wagering volumes hitting HK$13 billion — a 33% increase compared to June. However, the figure lagged behind the same month last year by 19%, when HK$16bn was recorded. The survey took place just ahead of an approaching typhoon, which likely dampened foot traffic during the observation period.
The number of observed premium-mass players came in at 581, a 15% drop year-on-year, while the average wager per player slipped 5% to HK$22,367.
Whale Activity Stable
Among high-stakes players, the survey identified 24 'whales' — unchanged from June but down from 35 a year earlier. Average betting by this group rose 9% month-on-month to HK$182,500, though it remained 13% lower than in July 2025.
Galaxy Macau and Non-Gaming Impact
Galaxy Macau captured the largest share of observed premium-mass wagers at 43%, up from 35% a year ago. The property's strong showing coincided with the FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League Finals Macao 2026, underscoring how non-gaming events can attract high-spending visitors.
Junket Sector Continues to Contract
Meanwhile, Macau's junket sector continued its downward trajectory. The number of registered junket operators fell to 29 from 31 at the end of March, even though authorities have set a quota of 50 for 2027. Regulations from 2022 restrict each junket to a single gaming concessionaire.
Broader Market Trends
The overall casino market in Macau softened in the second quarter, with gross gaming revenue (GGR) declining 7.4% sequentially to MOP61.2bn (approximately US$7.6bn). Baccarat accounted for MOP35.2bn of that total, while VIP baccarat contributed MOP15.9bn. June recorded Macau's first year-on-year monthly GGR drop of 2026, partly attributed to the FIFA World Cup, though subsequent estimates point to a nascent recovery in gaming activity.