Philippine casino resort Okada Manila (pictured) is to have its full opening in mid-February, reported the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper on Monday, citing comments made to the outlet by the head of the country’s gaming regulator during an interview.
Monday’s article did not directly quote Andrea Domingo, head of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor), but suggested Ms Domingo had indicated February 17 as the opening date.
GGRAsia approached Okada Manila seeking comment on the report, but had not received a reply by the time this story went online.
Okada Manila opened to the public its gaming and dining facilities – but not its hotel accommodation – on December 21 for what was termed by the venue’s promoter as a “preview period”.
At the time it was mentioned the official launch was likely to be in the first quarter this year.
Okada Manila – which according to its developer Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc has a US$2.4-billion price tag – comprises a first phase covering 22 hectares (54.4 acres) in an aggregate 44-hectare plot.
Tiger Resort is a subsidiary of Japanese firm Universal Entertainment Inc. The latter – a maker of pachinko games for the Japan market – is headed by Japanese entrepreneur Kazuo Okada.
Okada Manila is said to have space for up to 500 gaming tables and 3,000 electronic gaming machines, according to the project’s promoter. It will also have a two-wing hotel with 993 rooms.
