Comprehensive upgrade works on PAGCOR-owned casinos are now underway as the Philippine gaming regulator looks to enhance the value of its properties ahead of privatization.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco also confirmed during a Keynote Address at the G2E Asia conference on Thursday that the agency has reached agreements with the owners of all Casino Filipino properties to commence renovations before the privatization process gets underway.
“The beginning of the privatization process is targeted for the last quarter of 2025 or in the first quarter of 2026 at the latest,” Tengco said. “This will give us enough time to completely upgrade our Casino Filipino facilities in line with our goal of upgrading and enhancing our facilities.
“We have already reached agreement for the renovation of all our leased buildings, with at least three owners having already started renovations in different standalone branches that we have.”
Asia-wide gaming product distributor RGB International Bhd announced only last week that it had signed an agreement for PAGCOR to acquire almost 2,000 slot machines, including many from Aristocrat and Light & Wonder, to replace ageing units in Casino Filipino locations.
A new Casino Management System will also be installed in place of the self-developed CMS currently overseeing PAGCOR properties.
“Once these upgrades and renovations are complete we expect our casinos to attract more players and guests, thus making our casinos more attractive to potential investors once we start offering them for sale,” Tengco said.
“These projects and developments are geared towards our ultimate goal of decoupling PAGCOR’s dual role as both a regulator and operator. Once we have become a pure regulatory entity you can expect a more dynamic and more lucrative Philippine gaming industry with a more level playing field that promotes fair competition and growth.”
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