Philippine billionaire aims to open Manila casino in 2025

Philippine real estate entrepreneur Manuel Villa Jr., who is ranked second in Forbes magazine's "Top 50 Richest People in the Philippines," said he aims to open the first of two planned casino resorts in the Manila area as early as mid-2025, with an investment estimated at around US$1 billion.

"We can open in the middle or the second half of next year, but probably in the latter half. The rescue is already there, and we will just renovate the mall," Mr. Villar told local newspaper The Star.

"I have a canvas ready. I don't know how many tables it is yet," he added.

The tycoon said the first of the two casino projects will open in the redeveloped 18,000 sq m (193,750 sq ft) Vista Mall Global South, located in Las Pinas, Metro Manila.

The mall is close to the Brittany Hotel Global South, which is owned by Villar Group, the outlet said. Given the hotel's proximity, the entrepreneur said opening the group's first casino in Las Piñas would be "easier and faster."

Villar Group is said to have obtained a gaming license during the previous administration under President Rodrigo Duterte.

The second gaming project is being planned for a 3,500-hectare (8,649-acre) venture called Villa City, which spans the metro Manila and Cavite regions. The entrepreneur did not provide a timeline for completing a second casino resort.

In addition to gaming resorts, Villar City will offer other entertainment services such as amusement parks, large stadiums, and cultural centers, according to the report.

In an interview with GGRAsia in June, the head of the Philippine Entertainment Game Company (Pagcor) said it may approve new permits for casino resorts in the Philippines.

Alejandro Tengko, president and chief executive of the country's gaming regulator, said a slew of new casino properties are expected to roll out in the coming years, which will help boost the industry's total gaming revenue and cement the Philippines as one of Asia's top gambling destinations.

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