Metro Manila casinos allowed to welcome patrons again but at limited operation
According to PAGCOR, Metro Manila casinos are “currently allowed to operate at limited capacity.”
Four casino resorts are allowed to offer online gaming during the pandemic.
The Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation has confirmed that the four casino resorts in the capital city resume operation but at limited capacity.
City of Dreams, Solaire, Okada, and Resorts World all reopened earlier in May in a part of staycation program. Though the General Community Quarantine remains in Metro Manila, the casino resorts are allowed to operate their hotels. Their restaurants are permitted to operate at 25% for indoor capacity and 50% outdoors.
Gaming was suspended on President Rodrigo Duterte’s orders in late March. But Manila casinos were allowed to turn back on their slot machines and welcome table game guests as part of the staycation initiative.
Solaire Resort says it is only accommodating casino gamblers who are staying overnight at the resort. Okada is only welcoming its rewards members and enthusiastic gamers to its casino. City of Dreams says it’s limiting table games to three players, and slot machines continue to be spaced following social distancing.
PAGCOR did give the four casino resorts a benefit amid the height of the pandemic by way of online gaming. Four casinos are permitted to operate iGaming. But only VIPs who have frequented resorts in the past are able to gamble online.
Editing by Rachel Hu
