Macau’s premium mass gaming segment recorded unprecedented spending levels during the Labor Day holiday, with total observed wagers surging 54 percent year-on-year to HK$27.2 million ($3.5 million), according to Citigroup‘s latest monthly table survey.
The May survey, conducted by analysts George Choi and Timothy Chau, documented multiple million-dollar players on the same day for the first time in the survey’s history, suggesting strong consumer confidence despite ongoing Sino-US trade tensions.
‘The results from this month’s survey again highlight that players remain passionate about gaming, and the ongoing Sino-US trade conflicts so far appear not to be discouraging players from enjoying Macau’s gaming and non-gaming offerings,’ noted the Citigroup analysts in their report.
The survey recorded a historic high wager of HK$2.9 million ($374,200) by a single player at MGM Cotai’s Supreme Room—the highest individual bet ever observed by the Citigroup team. Another player at the Venetian’s High Limit area wagered HK$1.2 million ($154,800) during the same period.
The number of premium mass players rose 22 percent compared to May 2024, reaching 949 observed participants. The average wager per player increased 26 percent year-on-year to HK$28,654 ($3,698), outperforming even the Chinese New Year 2025 period by 9 percent.
US-based casino operators maintained their historical market share, accounting for approximately 63 percent of total premium mass wagers, suggesting that geopolitical tensions have not shifted player preferences. MGM China led the market with an estimated 30 percent share, followed by Galaxy at 22 percent.
Analysts attributed MGM Cotai’s strong performance in part to a concert by Chinese singer Han Hong held that evening, reinforcing the link between non-gaming attractions and gaming revenue. The property led all 19 surveyed premium mass rooms, with total observed wagers of HK$5.1 million ($658,000) and an average wager per player of HK$75,662 (9,763).
The investment memo notes that visitor numbers also reached impressive levels, with 222,000 tourists entering Macau on the survey day—surpassing the Chinese New Year 2025 peak day, which saw 219,000 arrivals.
