Published on: September 15, 2025, 09:08h.
Updated on: September 15, 2025, 10:02h.
- Macau Casinos Exploring Virtual Live Entertainment Options
- “ABBA Voyage” Set to Revolutionize Casino Residencies
Casinos in Macau are looking to invest in virtual “live” entertainment, enabling fans to enjoy performances from beloved artists—both contemporary and legendary—without them being physically present.
During a discussion at an event hosted by Inside Asian Gaming, focusing on Macau’s efforts to diversify its gaming offerings beyond traditional operations—an initiative prompted by the Chinese government’s restrictions on VIP junket groups—which impacted operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, representatives from the six casino concessionaires indicated that virtual entertainment is among their new strategies.
“There are not enough Jacky Cheungs and Bruno Mars to fill the venues,” stated David Baxley, regional vice president for Sands China and Marina Bay Sands, during his conversation with moderator and IAG founder Andrew Scott.
Macau’s transition from a high-roller focus to appealing to the mass and premium markets includes efforts to attract fresh visitors through high-caliber entertainment. The Chinese Special Administrative Region (SAR) has swiftly become a hub for notable K-pop concerts and cultural events.
Exploring Virtual Entertainment Trends
With a limited number of blockbuster acts to fill Macau’s numerous expansive theaters and concert venues, there is an apparent demand for more diverse entertainment offerings. The success of virtual experiences, like the immensely popular “ABBA Voyage” in London, could fulfill this need.
“ABBA Voyage” utilizes avatars instead of holograms to showcase the legendary Swedish pop group, known for their immense success since the 1970s. Collaborating with George Lucas’ Industrial Light & Magic, this concert residency features virtual avatars, referred to as “ABBAtars,” of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad performing alongside a live band.
This $175 million spectacle has become one of the most significant musical residencies in history, celebrating its third anniversary at the uniquely designed ABBA Arena in London this May. Rumors suggest it may expand to Resorts World Las Vegas next year.
Baxley also highlighted that the demand for premier entertainment transcends Macau.
“Every continent now has markets that didn’t exist before. They all aspire to attract the same audiences for their venues—it’s just infeasible,” he conveyed to IAG.
Macau boasts several large entertainment venues, including the 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena, the 14,000-seat Venetian Arena, and the 6,000-seat Londoner Arena. Additionally, plans are in motion to construct a large outdoor amphitheater with the capacity for 80,000 attendees.
Macau Market Enhancements
Following a delayed recovery compared to other major gaming regions, Macau is witnessing a significant resurgence in 2025. The city’s gaming sector, recognized as the largest globally in terms of annual gross gaming revenue (GGR), has recently received uplifting assessments from major financial institutions, including Citigroup.
Macau’s surprising revival demonstrates a successful shift toward broader public appeal, reflected in a 7.2% increase in GGR from 2024 to August, prompting Citigroup to revise its full-year growth projections from 7% to an impressive 10% year-over-year.