Philippines aims to become top gaming hub 9:13 PM 15 June 2013 By Jhoanna Ballaran/Manila Times The coming of world-class gaming facilities has set the stage for fierce marketing battles for customers. And so the game begins. With the opening of the country’s first high-end casino-resort last March, the Philippines is set to be one of the top gaming hubs in Asia. The billion-dollar industry is expected to contribute largely in attracting 10mn tourists a year by 2016, double the projected inbound visitors for 2013. One-tenth of these tourists are expected to be lured by the Entertainment City, a gaming and entertainment complex currently under construction on a 100-hectare reclaimed portion of the Manila Bay. With four more world-class casinos expected to be put up in the near future, it will be like the Strip of Las Vegas and is seen as a rival of neighbouring Macau. Among these are the recently opened Solaire Resort and Casino by Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels headed by port magnate Enrique Razon Jr; the Belle Grande Manila Bay by the SM Investment Corp; Resorts World Bayshore by Genting Hong Kong and Manila Bay Resorts by Universal Entertainment Corp and owned by Japanese tycoon Kazuo Okada. Solaire was opened to much fanfare in March this year, and the three casinos that will follow are expected to give it a run for its money. The $15bn-worth gaming and leisure hub is expected to be in full operation by 2016 but the competition among existing casinos in the country has already started to get tougher and more exciting. The top two gaming Corps— Solaire and Resorts World—have started to boost the gaming and entertainment industries in the country. With its exciting games and machines, plus their classy ambience, foreigners and locals alike have flocked to these establishments to experience the Las Vegas-type of night life in the Philippines. Not only that—even events and concerts are held at these prime locations. From plays to operas to concerts, these casino-resorts are also known to stage performances that could only be seen overseas a few years ago. Solaire and Resorts World have become go-to destinations not only for gambling, but also for general recreation. The fairly new industry of casino-resorts has slowly penetrated the Philippine market, especially among the middle class and above. Vicente Reyes, president of the Philippine Marketing Association, attributes this mainly to the increasing quality of lifestyle among Filipinos as they have more money to spend for leisure and gambling. “It’s actually mirroring the good economic performance of the country,” he told Manila Times. “Actually the initial sprouting of the big ticket casinos are somewhat indicative that we have a viable economy now. Now we can afford to go to the casinos… The lifestyle is getting more sophisticated, I would say.” Reyes also noted that there are a number of reasons why people go to newer and bigger casinos—it’s not just because they want to win money, but because of other factors like the ambience and the overall atmosphere of the place. “People flock to casinos now because of the ambience, the feel and there is this aspirational factor. Like if you go dream big, you might as well dream big,” he said. “It’s like a moth driven to bright light.” For example, Adrian Relato, 22, goes to casinos not only to win but to enjoy. Though an occasional player, he still allots some of his money to play games. “Of course the main reason why I go there is to win,” he said. “Even though we know that no one wins in the casino, I still do it because it feels good to bet in the games.” The sophisticated and more exciting games also lure people to go to casinos. Technology has greatly helped in advancing the features and kinds of games, particularly the slot machines. Add to that the free food and beverage add to a casino’s appeal. Some casinos —particularly the bigger ones—often serve free snacks to customers, even to non-gamers, to lure them to start playing or to keep betting. Some serve free refreshments like sandwiches and pastas, including juice and beers. The security of the place is also a factor in attracting customers. Tracy Nicomedes, 25, prefers the bigger and newer casinos than the older and smaller ones because of the total feeling of safety once he wins—he need not think about the possibility of being mugged once he steps out of the casino. “The people (in these casinos) are much more sensible and the place is much safer,” he said. “When you win, it’s not troubling when you go out of the area unlike in low-class casinos.”
Posted on: Sun, 16 Jun 2013 09:34:15 +0000
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