Macao’s monthly gaming revenue rose 19 percent in June, exceeding analyst expectations as visitors poured in to the world’s biggest gambling hub for Cantonese pop concerts and other entertainment offerings.

Gross gaming revenue reached 21.1 billion patacas ($2.6 billion) for the month, according to data released by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau on Tuesday. That was better than the median analyst estimate of a 9.4 percent year-on-year increase, and marks a return to 88 percent of the pre-pandemic level seen in 2019.

Monthly gaming performance was boosted by Cantopop icon Jacky Cheung, whose series of concerts in the city spans mid-June to early July.

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His first night of performances saw the number of premium players increase 16 percent from the year before, while the average wager put down by each big bettor grew 36 percent, Citigroup analyst George Choi wrote in a note.

Macao reported 3.4 million visitor arrivals in May, about 99 percent of the pre-COVID level. June data will be released later this month.