Gross gambling revenue from the mass market sector rose almost 18 percent in Q3, while VIP play declined 22.5 percent as the slowing Chinese economy held back growth, according to figures from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ).
In total, mass market baccarat generated MOP30.57 billion ($3.78 billion) in the quarter, almost drawing level with VIP revenue, which came to MOP31 billion.
Total GGR for Q3 amounted to MOP71 billion, that’s down from MOP74 billion recorded in the same quarter last year.
The DICJ releases monthly figures for gross gambling revenue, but only releases the split between VIP and mass revenue on a quarterly basis. The shift towards a broader based mass market is seen as positive for Macau’s six operators as the margins are higher.
On a quarter-on-quarter basis, mass GGR inclusive of slots rose 2.5 percent, while VIP was down 10.2 percent from the second quarter.
According to analysis from Deutsche Bank, on a two-year stack basis, mass GGR, inclusive of slots, was up 40.2 percent and VIP GGR was down 19.6 percent.
The total number of gaming tables, was 6,756, while Macau’s 41 casinos housed 17,348 slot machines.
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