The Waterfront Manila Hotel & Casino has announced plans for a soft opening by Q1 2026. A full reopening is expected by 2027.
The iconic Waterfront Casino has been closed since 2018, when it was damaged by fire. The fire started in the slot machine area of the casino and tragically claimed the lives of six Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) employees. The fire was later discovered to be caused by faulty electrical wiring.
Phase 1 of the soft opening is expected to see the casino launch, select food and beverage options, and the lobby. Phase 2, planned for early 2027, will include the launch of additional guest amenities, including hotel rooms and more.
The current operator, Acesite (Phils) Hotel Corporation, explained that the delays “arose from a combination of unforeseen challenges.” Challenges such as technical difficulties, adjustments to the project scope to enhance facilities, and logistical hurdles surfaced during the rebuilding process. Many problems arose from the decision to keep the original structure of the facility to save money.
In the end, extra support structures were added after concerns arose from slab vibrations. The additional support structures will ensure the building’s structural integrity and the safety of future patrons.
Other Manila Area Casinos
Manila, the casino capital of the Philippines, hosts numerous gambling houses and Entertainment City. There are currently 20+ casinos in the greater Manila area, with the “mega-casinos” located in the Entertainment City district.
Gambling regions in the Philippines include Manila, Metro Manila, Entertainment City, Luzon, and the Cagayan Valley. Each region’s gambling facilities are regulated by the Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), which oversees all gaming operations in the country.
The Future Of PAGCOR And PH Casinos
The Philippine gambling regulator, PAGCOR, has announced they will sell their government-owned casinos by 2026 to legitimize the industry further. PAGCOR plans to focus solely on regulation and increase revenue by issuing more licenses.
PAGCOR also regulates online Philippine casinos, and with new casinos planned, revenue is expected to grow. There have even been talks about lowering the taxes associated with online and in-person gaming.