Manuel Villar Jr. Enters the Gaming Industry with New 2025 Casino Plans
Tycoon Manuel Villar Jr., the Philippines’ richest man, is preparing to launch his inaugural casino next year, signaling his entry into the gaming industry.
Philippines’ richest man, Manuel Villar Jr., annouce plans to open a casino in 2025.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:In a recent interview, Villar said that his group aims to unveil the first of two planned integrated casino resorts by mid to late 2025. This project involves an estimated investment of around $1 billion.
The initial casino will be established at the redeveloped 18,000-square-meter Vista Mall Global South, located along the C5 Extension in Las Piñas. The site is conveniently close to the Brittany Hotel Global South, previously the four-star Mella Hotel Manila, also owned by the Villar Group.
As such, Villar says that the “structure” for the casino “there already” but the details of many tables there will be are still being finalized.
A Wealth of Experience
Villar has a rich history in Philippine politics, having served as congressman, speaker of the House of Representatives, senator, and senate president.
With a net worth of $12.4 billion, Villar is the only Filipino on Forbes’ list of the top 200 billionaires in 2024. He leads the property development company Vista Land & Lifescapes, managed by his son Manuel Paolo, and owns VistaREIT, a real estate investment trust that includes 10 shopping malls and two office towers.
He also holds ownership of Golden MV Holdings (formerly Golden Bria), a developer specializing in mass housing projects and memorial parks.
Regarding the competitive landscape with the 100-hectare Entertainment City in Parañaque, Villar emphasized the advantageous location of his casino, which is closer to Ninoy Aquino International Terminal 1. He believes this proximity will offer better access for visiting casino junket players.
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Second Resort Most Ambitious Development to Date
In addition to the first casino, Villar plans to establish a second one within his most ambitious property development to date: Villar City.
This extensive 3,500-hectare mixed-use estate will span 15 cities across Metro Manila and Cavite, featuring various key developments such as an amusement park, an arena, educational institutions, cultural centers, museums, hospitals, universities, churches, and nature parks.
The Villar Group secured its casino license during the tenure of former president Rodrigo Duterte, before Duterte imposed a moratorium on new casino licenses in 2018. This moratorium was lifted in 2021, after three years.
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