Macau casinos lower minimum bets to compete for mass players, Citi says

Analysts say lower minimum bets target displaced players from satellite casinos.

Macau.- Analysts at Citigroup have said they believe that Macau casino operators have been lowering their minimum bets for mass baccarat in order to compete to capture players displaced by the closure of satellite casinos. According to Citigroup’s latest gaming table surveys, the tactical shift is a bid to defend mass market share while capitalising on the continued strength of the premium mass segment.

George Choi and Timothy Chau report that since October, several resorts have opened new gaming areas with lower minimum bets, in some cases from around HK$300 (US$38). Properties such as Wynn Macau, City of Dreams, StarWorld and Casino Lisboa were observed offering lower-entry tables, which attracted strong traffic during survey periods. As a result, average mass baccarat minimums declined sequentially, despite remaining higher year-on-year.

The bank views this strategy as a direct response to the deadline for all satellite casinos to cease operations by year-end. With former patrons seeking alternatives, operators are using pricing flexibility to attract them.

Meanwhile, Citigroup highlighted premium mass as the primary driver of Macau’s gaming growth in 2025. Survey data showed an increase in premium mass player numbers and higher average wagers. The average wager per player rose at a double-digit rate. Citi also notes that non-gaming attractions such as concerts have helped boost visitation and premium mass engagement. It expects competition for mass players to remain intense into 2026.

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Analysts say lower minimum bets target displaced players from satellite casinos. Macau.- Analysts at Citigroup have said they believe that Macau casino operators have been lowering their minimum bets for…