In Macau, it's all about the mass. That's at least what the second quarter results are showing, with official data showing that VIP baccarat revenue made up less than a quarter of the total GGR during the period. Mass continued to perform well, however, while sports betting revenues were boosted by the Euro. In the Philippines, the nation's president has been urged to ban Chinese-targeted POGO operations, but courts will need to decide whether the claims are sufficient to act.

VIP baccarat revenue generated by Macau casinos reached $1.65 billion in the second quarter of 2024, representing 23.6 percent of the total gross gaming revenue (GGR), a small decrease from the 25 percent share held by the VIP sector in the previous quarter.

VIP play in Macau rebounded in 4Q23, reaching $1.57 billion, the best quarter since the pandemic. But the shift to mass is evident as mass Baccarat play topped even 4Q19.

Macau's beleaguered VIP segment fought its way back in January, with some serious help from the Chinese New Year holiday, with estimates that rolling chip topped $600 million during the month.

Junket association head Kwok Chi Chung told AGB that a resurgence in Hong Kong visitors had helped to prop up the VIP sector, with estimates that some $600 million was recorded in VIP rolling chip volume in January, due in large part to Chinese New Year.

Wynn Resorts has revealed plans to revamp its former VIP rooms at its two Macau properties, whilst revealing that its holding three undeveloped land parcels to “expand our business considerably” in Macau.

Things are not looking great for Macau's junket and VIP sector. As of today, Suncity Group has closed all of its VIP rooms ahead of a planned restructuring of the business, following the weekend arrest of Alvin Chau and his associates.

Suncity Group will close all of its VIP rooms in Macau from midnight on Weds. Dec 1st ahead of a planned restructuring of the business, local media reports.

Melco Resorts & Entertainment CEO Lawrence Ho said he doesn’t believe China’s common prosperity drive will hurt Macau’s mass or premium mass market, but it’s likely a different picture for the once-dominant VIP sector. 

Melco Resorts CEO Lawrence Ho said he doesn’t believe China’s common prosperity drive will hurt Macau’s mass or premium mass market.