In a recent report by Citigroup, the Macau casino scene witnessed a considerable surge in betting volumes by high-value gamblers, often referred to as 'whales.' The January table survey conducted by the bank revealed a notable 72.3 percent year-on-year increase in wager volumes within this segment. A rise was not only recorded in the sheer amount of betting but also in the number of these affluent players, growing from 24 last year to 28 in January.
The data from the Macau government corroborates this uptick, showing a 20 percent sequential rise in gross gaming revenue from VIP baccarat, further highlighting the appeal that Macau's gaming industry holds for this exclusive clientele.
Top Performers: Key Players and Highlights
The survey pinpointed several standout moments and players that defined the month. Among the most notable was a high-stakes player who wagered HKD1 million at the Horizon Room in Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd’s Galaxy Macau. Meanwhile, 'honourable mentions' were given to a gambler betting HKD850,000 at Melco Resorts’ City of Dreams during a baccarat tournament and another placing HKD640,000 at Wynn Palace’s Chairman’s Club.
The collective total wagered by these 28 whales reached HKD8.1 million, marking a 49 percent increase year-on-year in average wager sizes. Citigroup noted an increase in players betting HKD500,000 or more, with six such instances recorded, compared to just two in the previous year.
Strategic Insights and Industry Trends
Beyond individual performances, Citigroup’s survey speculated on the factors driving this increased activity among high-value clients. Promotions offering tickets to major events like concerts by Blackpink and Chinese celebrities might have played a role in attracting more players. In the premium mass segment, although a decrease in the number of players was noted, the overall betting volume increased by about 25 percent. The decrease in the player count led to a significant rise of 41 percent in the average wager per player.
This suggests that while fewer people were playing, the ones who did were staking significantly more money, mirroring expenditure figures seen during peak periods like the Chinese New Year. Noteworthy developments included enhancements across gaming establishments, with renovations aimed at refreshing gaming floors ahead of the Chinese New Year.
Furthermore, new gaming areas such as The Pearl Room at Sands Macao added to the evolving landscape of Macau’s casino offerings, potentially setting the stage for further growth and competition among operators.
Source: Citigroup's January Macau casino survey sees 72pct year-on-year rise in bet volume by 'whales', GGRAsia, January 19, 2026.
Posted by Wizard
Jan 19 2026
Jan 19 2026
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