Citi has released a research report indicating that this September's survey of Macau's premium mass-market gaming tables ranks among the weakest in recent years. Observations show that the overall betting atmosphere at casinos has turned noticeably more subdued compared to the period around the World Cup's start three months ago, though the bank has yet to pinpoint the exact reasons behind this weakness.

As a result, the firm has cautiously lowered its September gaming revenue projection from MOP 19 billion to MOP 18 billion. This adjustment implies that Macau's third-quarter gaming revenue for this year is expected to decline by 4% year-on-year.

The bank noted that total betting volume observed in the premium mass-market segment during September fell by 45% year-on-year to HK$6.8 million, compared with HK$12.3 million in September of last year. The number of premium mass-market players decreased by 20% year-on-year to 401 individuals, while the average bet per player dropped 31% year-on-year to HK$16,958. Table utilization rates in the premium mass-market segment reached approximately 38% in September, below the historical average of around 43% and also under the 39% recorded during the same period last year.