The recently inaugurated Qilong Club at Melco Resorts’ Studio City Phase 2 development is making waves in Macau’s gaming landscape, emerging as one of the top-performing gaming spaces, according to a monthly survey by financial services group Citi. This premium mass gaming room, situated in the Epic Tower, has quickly gained prominence, ranking second in wager per player among its counterparts.
Key Performance Metrics:
Citi analysts, George Choi and Ryan Cheung, highlighted the impressive performance of the Qilong Club. In their survey, they noted that the room secured the second spot in wager per player, with 17 players in attendance, including five high-stakes “whales” betting between HK$100,000 and HK$270,000 per hand. The average wager per player among the 17 attendees reached HK$61,294. The robust performance of premium mass baccarat tables in Macau, with a 26% month-on-month growth in total wager observed city-wide, indicates a sustained passion for gaming despite the current state of the Chinese economy.
Player Engagement:
The survey unveiled a noteworthy increase in premium mass players, with 534 players witnessed, marking a 34% rise from December and a 5% uptick compared to the October 2023 Golden Week holiday period. The consistent quality of players, measured by wager per player, remained largely unchanged, demonstrating the resilience of Macau’s gaming enthusiasts.
Whales and Trends:
Choi and Cheung reported an increase in the number of high-stakes players (whales) in January, with 27 observed compared to 20 in December 2023. This trend suggests a sustained interest and engagement from high-rolling players, contributing to the overall vibrancy of Macau’s premium gaming sector.
Innovations in Baccarat:
The analysts also spotlighted an intriguing development in MGM China’s properties, namely MGM Macau and MGM Cotai, where a new “insurance” bet has been introduced on select baccarat tables. While similar bets have been witnessed in other gaming destinations like Resorts World Genting in Malaysia, this marks a unique addition to Macau’s gaming scene. The analysts speculate on the potential popularity of this insurance bet, likening it to the widely embraced “Lucky 6” bet. If embraced by players as an effective means to minimize losses, this innovation could enhance the house advantage, mirroring the success of other exotic bets in casino games.
Macau’s premium mass gaming sector, as exemplified by the success of the Qilong Club at Studio City, remains resilient and dynamic. The sustained growth in total wagers, increased player engagement, and the introduction of innovative betting options underscore the city’s position as a global gaming hub. As the industry continues to evolve, keeping a close eye on emerging trends and player preferences will be crucial for operators aiming to stay at the forefront of Macau’s ever-thriving gaming landscape.