Filipino billionaire Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr. is pressing ahead with his $1 billion casino project in southern Metro Manila, opting to proceed without a foreign partner after failed talks with South Korean junket operator Dowinn Group.
“No more partner. It’s just us,” Villar said, confirming his decision to go solo on the project, as reported by InsiderPH.
Villar’s casino development comes at a time when the country’s land-based gaming industry faces headwinds. Bloomberry Resorts, operator of Solaire Resort, recently reported a sharp drop in profit, while Melco Entertainment is exploring a potential sale of City of Dreams Manila.
Despite these challenges, Villar remains bullish on the sector’s long-term potential. “When you enter that kind of business, you have to think long-term,” he said, underscoring his confidence in the market’s recovery.
The casino will be located within the renovated Vista Mall Global South in Las Piñas, a property already owned by Villar’s group. This minimizes costs and financial risks, allowing for a faster project launch.
“The structure is finished. It’s a mall that I converted. We own the land, we own the structure,” Villar noted. “How do you lose money when it’s all finished?”
The casino is part of Villar’s broader $1 billion investment strategy, which also includes the Brittany Hotel Global South (formerly Mella Hotel Manila), situated nearby to enhance the integrated resort experience.
Beyond gaming revenue, Villar sees the casino as a catalyst for increasing property values in southern Metro Manila. The project is linked to his larger 3,500-hectare Villar City development, a massive mixed-use complex spanning multiple cities.
Villar aims to develop a site in Metro Manila as part of his broader real estate strategy. “It’s an 80-hectare property in Sucat. I also want it to appreciate,” Villar said.
The casino is expected to open by mid-2025, though Villar remains cautious about timing. While he is moving forward without a foreign partner, he plans to assemble a team of experienced professionals to manage operations.
“We need to have [experienced people], we’re getting a GM [general manager],” Villar said, signaling his focus on assembling a strong leadership team for the venture.
The Philippine gaming industry remains a major economic driver, with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) reporting gross gaming revenue (GGR) of PHP410.5 billion ($7.2 billion) in 2024, making it the second-largest gaming market in Asia after Macau.
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