Macao’s gaming revenue rose 24 percent in January, beating analyst estimates as casinos in the world’s biggest gambling hub continued to rely on perks like free concert tickets and entertainment offerings to lure high-spending travelers. 

Gross gaming revenue reached 22.6 billion patacas ($2.8 billion) for the month, according to data released by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau on Sunday.

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The result exceeded the median analyst estimate of an 18.5 percent year-on-year increase, and has returned to 91 percent of the pre-pandemic level in 2019.

Premium gamblers increased their wagers by 25 percent year-on-year in January, according to a monthly Citigroup survey.

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The surge was likely a result of aggressive marketing, including free tickets for Korean girl group Blackpink’s concerts in Hong Kong and a collaboration with Pop Mart International Group Ltd’s Twinkle Twinkle brand, Citi analyst George Choi wrote in the note.

The city reported 3.58 million visitor arrivals in December, exceeding the pre-pandemic level by 16 percent. The city will release data for January later this month.