Key Moments:
- Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd has recently reduced baccarat side bet options at Galaxy Macau and StarWorld Hotel.
- Rival operators Wynn Macau, MGM China, Melco Resorts, and SJM Holdings Ltd have already simplified their side bet offerings.
- Sands China continues to provide the most comprehensive selection of baccarat side bets, including a progressive jackpot.
Baccarat Side Bets Get Simplified at Galaxy Properties
Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd has moved to simplify the side bet landscape on its live-dealer baccarat tables at both Galaxy Macau and StarWorld Hotel. Observations have shown that these venues now present players with a narrowed selection of side bets: ‘Small 6/Big 6,’ ‘Small 7/Big 7,’ and ‘Super Lucky 7’ are currently in play. The previous options ‘Lucky 6’ and ‘Lucky 7,’ which had emerged across the market last year, appear to have been removed from Galaxy’s main gaming floors.
Industry-Wide Shift Toward Streamlined Bets
This adjustment at Galaxy aligns with a broader trend among Macau casino operators. According to a Citigroup survey and findings from GGRAsia, competitors such as Wynn Macau, MGM China, and Melco Resorts have similarly reduced the number of baccarat side bets at their establishments. In line with these moves, SJM Holdings Ltd has also simplified its side bet offerings on both standard and high-limit baccarat tables.
Sands China Maintains a Broad Offering
While most of Macau’s casinos have adopted a pared-down approach, Sands China still stands out by delivering a full range of baccarat side bets per table. Its smart baccarat tables offer side bets such as Lucky 6, Lucky 7, Small 6/Big 6, Small/Big 7, and Super Lucky 7. Notably, since July, Sands China has included a progressive jackpot linked to baccarat side bets, enhancing its gaming proposition.
| Casino Operator | Side Bet Range | Progressive Jackpot |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Entertainment | Simplified (Small 6/Big 6, Small 7/Big 7, Super Lucky 7) | No |
| Wynn Macau, MGM China, Melco Resorts, SJM Holdings Ltd | Simplified | No |
| Sands China | Comprehensive (Full suite including Lucky 6 and Lucky 7) | Yes (since July) |
Payout Dynamics and Market Impact
Baccarat side bets in Macau offer various payouts: for example, Lucky 7 usually pays between 6 to 1 and 15 to 1 when the player’s winning hand equals seven points with two or three cards. The ‘Small 7/Big 7’ bet provides two payout paths: Small 7 (Two-card 7) pays 15 to 1, while Big 7 (Three-card 7) pays 30 to 1, adding layers of strategic play for participants.
Such side bets constitute an increasingly important share of baccarat-generated revenue in Macau. The industry’s adoption of smart table technology supports flexible wager structures and rapid adaptation to evolving player interests.
Strategic Motivation for Streamlining
Galaxy Entertainment’s decision to limit side bet options is part of a sector-wide effort to improve the mass-market gaming experience while maintaining operational efficiency. By reducing complexity, operators seek to boost player engagement and clarify bet choices, potentially increasing the appeal for both existing and new customers. Streamlined options may also enhance each table’s hold percentage, benefiting overall profitability.
Competitive Environment and Future Direction
With baccarat representing the majority of gaming revenue, Macau’s casinos are refining their side bet strategies to maintain competitiveness and address player demand. Galaxy Entertainment Group’s recent moves exemplify a proactive approach to shifting market dynamics and customer expectations, aiming for continued leadership through innovation and responsiveness in this pivotal game segment.
- Author
Daniel Williams
