Macau’s baccarat revenue now dominated by smart table side bets
Macau’s baccarat side bets now dominate the market, accounting for an impressive 45 to 50 percent of total baccarat revenues—a drastic increase from previous years when they represented only a small fraction, according to a report by Inside Asian Gaming. This surge is driven by the widespread adoption of smart table technology, which is revolutionising how operators analyse and respond to player behaviour.
Industry analysts unequivocally state that this shift marks a critical generational change in player preferences, fueled by the precise data gathered through RFID-enabled smart tables. These innovative tables track each bet in real time.
Smart tables end the guesswork
Clayton Peister, Managing Director of analytics firm Differential Labs, confirmed the same at G2E Asia, stating that the data from these tables help operators “understand the player in a much more effective way,” making it easier to tailor experiences and maximise engagement. “Side bets now contribute about 5 percent of turnover, yet generate nearly half of baccarat revenue. That’s a striking metric.”
This development comes as all six of Macau’s prominent casinos have either completed or are close to completing smart table installations. This rollout has prompted Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) to approve a series of new, higher-payout side bet options, some offering returns of up to 50:1.
Bryan Jenkins, Managing Director of Angel Australasia—a leading smart table supplier—said smart technology has ended the guesswork in evaluating side bet performance. “Before, side bets were trial-and-error. Now, we can see exactly how they perform, down to the individual table.”
Trend extends past Macau
The impact of this transformation is not limited to Macau. At , a global flagship for integrated resorts, the theoretical hold on rolling play rose from 3.30 percent to 3.70 percent, attributed directly to smarter side bet integration and refined data analytics. Jenkins said similar trends are unfolding in Australia, the Philippines, and other Asian gaming hubs.
The technology is also influencing marketing and VIP services, with data-driven insights now helping to determine player value beyond traditional win metrics—such as identifying high-risk, high-value side bet players for events and loyalty rewards.
As Asia’s casino landscape evolves, operators are expected to lean heavily on innovative data strategies. With rising demand from younger, data-savvy gamblers, industry insiders believe future casino developments will likely prioritise smart infrastructure from the outset.
