CLAIMS TO FAME
- Driving force behind Clark Freeport Zone’s emergence as a world-class gaming destination
In the rising Philippines gaming hub of Clark, one name stands tall as the standard bearer upon which all others compare themselves.
Hann Casino Resort, an expansive integrated resort development once known as Widus, is the brainchild of Dae Sik Han – a Korean-born entreuprener who had zero gaming experience when he first visited Clark back in 2005.
But, recognizing the tourism potential of the region on the back of an international-sized airport that once served as the Philippines base of the US Air Force, he quickly invested in a hotel and went in search of a casino license.
Fast forward almost 20 years and Han is one of a handful of leading individuals driving Clark’s development into a thriving tourism destination.
In Hann Casino Resort, he already owns the clear market leader, driven by a gaming floor whose 176 tables and 980 slot machines are just about full most nights of the week. A new hotel and expanded gaming space is in the works.
More ambitious is a separate project called Hann Reserve, located about 20 minutes away by car, on 450 hectares of land in New Clark City. The project is described as an “integrated leisure and lifestyle development”, not only providing a luxury experience for local and international tourists but adding a mixed-use commercial center, retail, residences, an international school, and a casino, among other facilities.
The ”ultra luxury” Hann Reserve will also boast three 18-hole golf courses and PGA-accredited player development facilities as part of Han’s vision of positioning Clark among the world’s top golf tourism destinations.
Good judges suggest he won’t stop there either.
For the full list of 2023 Asian Gaming Power 50 winners, click here.
