Premium Leisure Corp (PLC), a key partner of Melco Resorts & Entertainment in City of Dreams Manila, is reportedly venturing into the burgeoning gaming hub of Clark. According to a Reuters report citing informed sources, PLC intends to invest upwards of US$300 million in a new casino resort development and has already applied for a casino license. This move underscores the growing attractiveness of Clark, situated north of Manila, as a prime location for tourism and gaming investments.
The Rise of Clark as a Gaming Hub
Clark, formerly a US military air base transformed into a special economic zone, has emerged as a leading destination for golf and gaming tourism in the Philippines. With its proximity to Manila and strategic development initiatives, Clark currently hosts several casinos, including Hann Casino Resort, Royce Hotel & Casino, D’Heights Resort & Casino, and others. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)-run Casino Filipino Capital also adds to the gaming allure of the area.
PLC’s Proposed Casino Resort
PLC’s envisioned casino resort in Clark aims to incorporate a convention center and hotel facilities, positioning it as a comprehensive leisure destination. While Melco Resorts’ involvement in this development remains uncertain, rumors have long suggested their interest in the Clark region. PLC’s recent delisting from the Philippine Stock Exchange and its affiliation with Belle Corp, a prominent real estate player, further underpin its strategic positioning in the gaming sector.
Industry Dynamics and Future Prospects
The proposal by PLC marks a potentially pivotal addition to the Philippine gaming landscape, coinciding with reports of other significant casino developments across the country. Notably, Manuel Villar Jr.’s plans to open a casino in Las Pinas by 2025 signal further expansion and competition within the sector. These developments highlight a dynamic shift in the Philippines’ gaming industry, driven by strategic investments and evolving consumer preferences.
As PLC moves forward with its ambitious plans for a casino resort in Clark, the project signifies not only a substantial financial commitment but also a strategic maneuver to capitalize on Clark’s growing reputation as a gaming and tourism hotspot. The evolution of Clark from a military base to a thriving economic zone mirrors broader trends in the Philippines, where economic liberalization and infrastructure development are fostering new opportunities in the gaming sector.