According to the Manila Standard, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has told 19,000 government officials and city employees that they are strictly forbidden from entering the new Solitaire Resort North casino. This decision was made to uphold the integrity of public service and to prevent any potential conflicts of interest or ethical issues.
Bloomberry Resorts Corp. developed Solitaire Resort North and officially opened it on May 25th, 2024. In addition to the Quezon City location, they own the Solitaire Resort in Entertainment City.
Mayor Belmonte, speaking at the “International Conference on Responsible Gambling and Gaming Addiction,” reassured the public about the safety measures at the casino. She highlighted the new security features, including a sophisticated system that can detect a person’s face even if they are wearing a wig, a mask, or a hat, thereby ensuring a safe and secure gaming environment.
The event in Quezon City, supported by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the country’s gaming regulator, instills confidence in the public. PAGCOR, which has been overseeing the gaming industry since 1977 when PD 1067-A became law, provides a strong regulatory framework, ensuring fair and responsible gaming practices.
Solitaire North Opens With Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
As mentioned above, Solitaire North opened its doors on May 25th, 2024. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos were both in attendance at the inauguration of the Solaire Resort North.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the president and first lady toured the resort with Solaire Resort Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Enrique Razon Jr. Also in attendance were PAGCOR chairman Alejandro Tengco and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte.
The Solaire Resort North, the only luxury resort and casino in Quezon City, exudes an air of exclusivity. Given the city’s recent stance on gambling, it is likely to remain the only one for a while, making it a unique and intriguing addition to the city’s landscape.
What To Expect At Solaire North
The new Solaire North facility is a towering 38-story property with four gaming levels. At about 13,000 sq. meters, the casino features 2,600 slot machines and 160 tabletop games. To promote responsible gambling, the casino has implemented measures such as self-exclusion programs and responsible gaming information kiosks.
Other site features include an outdoor pool area with cabanas, 14 dining options, a spa, a shopping center, and several conference centers. The Solaire also houses 530 rooms with spacious bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary high-speed internet.
The legal gambling age in the Philippines is 21, and only residents and visitors over that age will be allowed on the casino floor.