Macau premium mass gaming activity weakened sharply in June, with total wagers dropping 38 per cent year-on-year to HK$9.8 million ($1.25 million) during FIFA World Cup, according to Citigroup’s latest table survey. The result represents the survey’s lowest post-pandemic reading and adds to evidence that the FIFA World Cup 2026 is drawing attention away from casino floors across Macau.
Analysts George Choi and Timothy Chau said the decline follows a pattern seen during previous major football tournaments, when betting activity linked to international competitions can temporarily affect demand in the city’s casinos.
World Cup weighs on Macau casino demand
In a note published on 21 June, as cited by Asia Gaming Brief, Citigroup said the ongoing FIFA World Cup and a strong comparison against June 2025 contributed to the weaker results. Last year’s figures benefited from a series of concerts by Cantopop star Jacky Cheung, which helped attract visitors to Macau and boosted gaming activity.
Surveyors observed HK$9.8 million $1.25 million) in premium mass wagers during June. That was well below the level seen during the same month last year and marked the weakest performance recorded since the survey resumed after the pandemic. Citigroup said the June 2026 figure was broadly in line with the HK$10 million ($1.28 million) observed in June 2024 when UEFA Euro 2024 was taking place.
Expanded FIFA World Cup adds pressure
Analysts also highlighted the expanded format of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The tournament features 104 matches, compared with 51 matches during UEFA Euro 2024 and 64 matches at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
With matches taking place almost daily, analysts believe the expanded tournament schedule may be encouraging some customers to spend more time following football and less time visiting casinos. Despite the current weakness, the bank expects the slowdown to be temporary.
The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) previously issued travel safety advice to residents travelling to Canada, Mexico and the United States for the FIFA World Cup 2026 to prepare their trips in advance, stay informed about local conditions and remain alert to safety risks. MGTO advised residents to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect their personal safety and property during their stay.
Premium mass players and high-value gamblers decline
The survey recorded 448 premium mass players during June, down 29 per cent from the same month last year. Average wagers also moved lower. Citigroup found that the average bet per player fell 13 per cent year-on-year to HK$21,775 ($2,778), compared with HK$25,130 ($3,205) in June 2025. The decline suggests that both player volumes and spending levels weakened during the tournament period.
The number of high-value players, often referred to as “whales”, also declined. Citigroup observed 24 whale players during its June survey, compared with 35 a year earlier. The largest individual wager came from a player at City of Dreams’ Signature Club, who staked HK$680,000 ($86,735). Other notable players included a whale wagering HK$380,000 ($48,469) at Galaxy Macau’s Pavilion North and another placing HK$220,000 ($28,061) at City of Dreams’ Signature Club.
While overall wagering declined, operator performance varied. Melco increased its share of total wagers observed to 21 per cent, supported by the survey’s highest-spending player. The result made Melco the most improved operator in the latest survey. Galaxy Macau remained the market leader with a 25 per cent share of observed wagers, while Wynn’s share declined to 13 per cent.
Table utilisation and baccarat minimums fall
Citigroup observed 287 premium mass tables with active wagering from a total of 739 open tables staffed by dealers. The last time the survey recorded such a low number of active premium mass tables was December 2024.
Average minimum bets on mass baccarat tables across Macau also declined. The survey found minimum wagers fell 8 per cent year-on-year to HK$1,905 ($243), dropping below HK$2,000 ($255) for the first time since April 2025.
Macau gaming revenue remains above MOP22 billion
Despite Macau’s weaker premium mass gaming activity in June, broader market indicators remained relatively stable. Data from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau showed Macau gross gaming revenue reached MOP22.61 billion in May, up 13.7 per cent from April. For the first five months of 2026, Macau gross gaming revenue totalled MOP108.38 billion, up 10.9 per cent year-on-year.
Gaming tax revenue for May totalled MOP7.65 billion, down 15.6 per cent from April. Macau gaming tax revenue reached MOP42.52 billion in the first five months of 2026, up 14.6 per cent from the same period a year earlier.
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