Galaxy Macau’s Volleyball Event Boosts Premium-Mass Play

Galaxy Macau captured 43% of premium-mass wagers in Citigroup’s July table survey, marking an increase from 35% in July 2025. The result came as the property benefited from activity around the Women’s Volleyball Nations League finals in Macau.

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Survey Finds Higher-Value Action

Citigroup’s latest survey showed that all 3 of the highest-spending players it identified were gambling at Galaxy Macau. The biggest player wagered HK$600,000 at the property’s Pavilion South, while 2 other high-value players at the Horizon Room wagered HK$440,000 and HK$300,000 respectively.

Citigroup analysts George Choi and Timothy Chau linked the performance to Galaxy Macau’s role as a co-organizer of the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals Macau 2026, which ran from July 22 to 26 with the Macau government. Galaxy arranged several activities around the tournament, including autograph sessions featuring Team China and other national teams.

The brokerage said some of the better tickets may have been reserved for the operator’s leading players. And it stated that the survey revealed the fact that properly selected non-gaming activities can serve as an effective tool to attract wealthy Chinese tourists in Macau and make them spend money there.

Market-Wide Trends

In Macau, aggregate premium-mass bets monitored by Citigroup increased 33% month-on-month to HKD13 million from HKD9.8 million in June. But even so, the figure for July was 19% less than that in the previous year.

There was a 15% decline year-on-year to 581 in the number of premium-mass players, while average wager per player was 5% down at HK$22,367. Citigroup noted 24 high-value players in its July survey compared to 35 in the same month last year.

Average wage per high-value player was up 9% on June figures at HK$182,500, but was 13% less than a year ago. The survey suggested that while the market improved from June, it had not fully returned to last year’s levels.

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Weather And Event Effects

Citigroup said the survey took place as Typhoon Noul approached Macau and Hong Kong, reducing foot traffic. Despite that disruption, the analysts reported a lively crowd at Galaxy Macau.

Elsewhere, Citigroup observed a Korean high-value player wagering HK$100,000 at MGM Macau’s Supreme Room. The property was also hosting a members-only concert featuring Chinese rock singer Wang Feng.

The presence of the concert, along with the event-driven activity at Galaxy Macau, highlighted how non-gaming attractions can influence premium-mass play during a survey period. Citigroup’s findings pointed to a market where entertainment and gaming activity continue to overlap.

Broader Baccarat Measures

The average mass market baccarat minimum bet in Macau was down 10% year-on-year at HK$1,898. That figure added another sign of softer play in parts of the market, even as Galaxy Macau posted a stronger showing in premium-mass wagering.

Citigroup’s latest survey suggests that targeted events and non-gaming offerings can still shape player behavior at the high end of the market. In Galaxy Macau’s case, the volleyball finals appeared to give the property a clear lift in both share and observed spending.

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Source: Asia Gaming Brief