Philippine tycoon Manny Villar pursues solo path for $ 1 billion casino project
Filipino tycoon and former senator Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr. is moving forward with his $1 billion casino project in southern Metro Manila. In an Insider PH report, Villar said that his casino plan would push through without a foreign partner. Villar had previously explored a partnership with South Korean junket operator Dowinn Group, but talks ultimately failed.
Casino industry challenges and outlook
Villar’s decision comes as the land-based casino sector faces ongoing struggles. Bloomberry Resorts recently reported a steep drop in profit, while Melco Entertainment is exploring the sale of City of Dreams Manila. Despite these challenges, Villar remains confident in the industry’s long-term prospects, highlighting the need to think beyond short-term fluctuations.
Last year, the Philippine gaming industry recorded gross gaming revenue (GGR) of PHP410.5 billion ($7.2 billion), according to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). This figure, announced by PAGCOR chairperson and CEO Alejandro Tengco during a briefing in Pasay City, was the second highest in Asia after Macau. Integrated resorts contributed 49 percent of the total, followed by electronic games (38 percent), offshore gaming operations (9 percent), and PAGCOR-operated casinos (4 percent).
Project details and investment strategy
The planned casino will be located within the renovated Vista Mall Global South in Las Piñas. Villar confirmed that the structure is complete, minimising additional costs since the building and land are already owned by the Villar Group. This approach reduces financial risk and accelerates the project timeline.
The project is part of Villar’s broader $1 billion investment plan announced last year. The casino, expected to open in mid-2025, will operate near the Brittany Hotel Global South, formerly Mella Hotel Manila, which the Villar Group also owns. This proximity is intended to streamline the development of an integrated resort experience.
Real estate and growth ambitions
Beyond gaming revenues, Villar sees the casino as a catalyst for boosting property values in the southern Metro Manila area. The development ties into his expansive Villar City project, a 3,500-hectare mixed-use development spanning multiple cities. Villar also aims to develop an 80-hectare site in Sucat in Metro Manila as part of his broader real estate strategy.
Plans and operations
While Villar is pushing ahead without a foreign partner, he said that he is assembling a team of experienced professionals to manage the casino, including plans to hire a dedicated general manager.
