Philippine gaming resort Okada Manila has confirmed its is already in possession of its provisional casino gaming licence, Japan-based Universal Entertainment Inc announced.
The US$2.4-billion Okada Manila is being developed by Philippines-based Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc, a subsidiary of Universal Entertainment. The latter is headed by Japanese gaming and pachinko entrepreneur Kazuo Okada.
Under the terms of a deal with the country’s casino regulator, the Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corp, also known as Pagcor, the property opened on a provisional licence, with a permanent licence to be granted at a later stage.
Universal Entertainment said in a filing that the notice to start casino operations was granted to Tiger Resort effective December 21, 2016.
Okada Manila had a soft opening on December 21 (pictured). An official grand opening for the property will take place in the first quarter of 2017.
Okada Manila has a two-wing hotel with 993 rooms. It also includes restaurants, shops and a casino. The hotel and the restaurants within the complex are not yet open for guests.
The property is the third of four integrated resorts planned for Entertainment City in Manila, an area earmarked by Philippine authorities to become a casino district, and meant to emulate the success of Macau’s Cotai district.
