FIFA World Cup Hits Macau Premium Mass Players as Betting Volume Falls 38%

^{Pictured: MGM Macau casino resort}

Activity among premium mass players* in Macau casino declined in June 2026. One of the main reasons for the slowdown was the FIFA World Cup, Asia Gaming Brief reported.

According to Citigroup, the betting volume recorded in its June survey fell by 38% year-on-year to $1.25 million. A year earlier, the figure was around $2 million.

This was the lowest level recorded since Macau’s market began recovering from pandemic-related restrictions.

In its June survey, Citigroup counted 448 premium mass players placing large bets, down 29% from a year earlier.

That works out at $2,778 per player, compared with $3,205 in June 2025.

Citigroup analysts said the decline was not unexpected: Macau’s gross gaming revenue (GGR**) typically comes under pressure during major international football tournaments. The June figure was close to the level recorded in June 2024, when betting by the same group of players totalled around $1.28 million during Euro 2024.

Citigroup also highlighted the scale of this year’s World Cup. The 2026 tournament is being held in an expanded format and includes 104 matches. By comparison, Euro 2024 had 51 matches, while the 2022 World Cup had 64. Analysts said such a packed schedule could draw some players away from casino floors.

The market is expected to recover quickly once the tournament ends.

* This refers to wealthy mass-market casino customers who place above-average bets but are not part of the VIP segment.

** GGR is a financial metric used to measure gross gaming revenue. It is calculated as total bets minus payouts.