The $1.1 billion integrated hotel and casino project by SunTrust Resort Holdings in Manila’s Entertainment district is facing a significant delay. Initially planned for completion in late 2024, the revised timeline now targets completion in the fourth quarter of 2025.
SunTrust Manila is poised to be a key player in the Philippines’ booming gaming and hospitality industry. The integrated resort is expected to have 475 luxury hotel rooms and suites, a 1,000-seat and 800-seat theater, 1,126 slot machines, 281 gaming tables, and 134 electronic table games.
The complex hopes to attract high-end tourists, boost local employment opportunities and enhance the Entertainment City area’s appeal.
The developer, SunTrust Resort Holdings, is a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based LET Group Holdings, known for its expansive portfolio of integrated resorts and gaming locations. The casino was first announced in 2020 and began construction soon after.
Why Is The SunTrust Manila Casino Project Delayed?
SunTrust has announced the delay until Q4 of 2025 due to several reasons, including the following:
- Construction Delays – Pandemic-related disruptions and supply chain constraints significantly slowed construction progress in the early stages.
- Regulatory Adjustments – Compliance with evolving regulations in the Philippine gaming industry added complexities to the project timeline.
- Strategic Enhancements – The company has leveraged the delay to refine the resort’s design and service offerings, ensuring a world-class experience upon launch.
Potential Economic Impact
Once the casino destination opens, the resort will contribute to the Philippines’ Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), which saw a 37.5% growth recently, reaching a new revenue record of PHP 94.61 billion. With SunTrust Manila and several other casinos still under construction, adding new brick-and-mortar casinos is expected to increase revenue and further the Philippines as a gaming destination in Southeast Asia.
The project has already created thousands of construction jobs and, once opened, will provide many jobs for the local community. Suntrust Manila will compete with established players in Entertainment City, including Solaire Resort & Casino and City of Dreams Manila.
Gambling Regions In The Philippines
Today, several Philippine gambling regions are spread out among the islands. The most notable is Entertainment City (Manila), followed by metro Manila casinos, Luzon casinos, and Cagayan Valley casinos.
Each region offers class III gaming options, including slots, table games (blackjack, baccarat, roulette, etc.), specialty games, and more. Tourists and residents over the age of 21 are allowed to gamble in any of the gaming districts throughout the country.