Macau gaming operator Galaxy Entertainment Group ranked top in Macau’s premium mass gaming segment, with Sands China close behind, according to Citigroup’s latest monthly table survey for July 2025.
The report, released on Monday, July 21st, highlights strong ongoing momentum in the premium mass market despite adverse weather conditions and an approaching typhoon.
Authored by Citigroup analysts George Choi and Timothy Chau, the analysis reveals that Galaxy now holds an estimated 35 percent share of total premium mass wagers observed last month. This performance is largely attributed to Galaxy Macau’s Pavilion North, where 12 out of 35 high rollers—or ‘whales’—were spotted placing bets, including one who wagered HK$1 million ($128,000). It marks the fourth consecutive month in which Citigroup’s team encountered a player betting HK$1 million or more.
Sands China followed with a 25 percent share, buoyed by increased foot traffic during Hong Kong pop diva Sandy Lam’s concert at the Venetian Arena and a newly launched baccarat progressive jackpot aimed at encouraging higher side bet volumes.
Premium mass grows despite typhoon threat
The survey recorded a total premium mass wager of HK$16.0 million ($2.05 million) in July, representing a 32 percent year-on-year increase. The number of premium mass players rose by 18 percent to 681, while average wager per player also climbed 11 percent to HK$23,536 ($3,020), up from HK$21,193 ($2,717) in July 2024.
‘These are solid statistics, given a typhoon was expected for the weekend,’ the analysts noted, emphasizing the resilience of player demand in challenging conditions.
A standout development during the month was the introduction of a progressive jackpot feature across most of Sands’ baccarat tables. Designed to boost side bet engagement, the jackpot offers a potential payout of HK$5 million ($640,000) or more. To qualify, players must place side bets of at least HK$500 ($64) in mass market areas or HK$2,000 ($255) in premium mass rooms on the Lucky 6 or Lucky 7 outcomes.
A winning hand must include a Player total of seven beating a Banker’s six, with both hands in the same suit—a condition reminiscent of jackpot triggers in Caribbean stud poker.
Jackpot strategy aims to boost side bet wagering
Choi and Chau suggest that, if successful, this feature could drive higher side bet volumes and improved hold rates for Sands China, potentially boosting its market share—unless competitors introduce similar offerings.
Citigroup also highlighted a notable rise in high-stakes players. The number of whales—defined as those wagering HK$100,000 ($12,820) or more—increased to 35 in July, up from 23 in July 2024. In addition to the HK$1 million ($128,205) bettor at Galaxy Macau, two players were observed placing HK$500,000 ($64,100) bets at Galaxy Macau and StarWorld’s Horizon, respectively.
In the same survey, analysts also observed that the average minimum bet for mass baccarat across Macau stood at HK$2,110 ($270), unchanged year-on-year. Meanwhile, Grand Lisboa Palace has completed a full rollout of smart gaming tables across its mass baccarat operations.
