The Philippines is currently experiencing one of the hugest spikes in the world of casinos and that’s due to the rise in tourists and world-class resorts bringing people to the country. The Philippines gambling industry managed to amass 1.24 billion dollars by the end of 2023, with it expected to double by the year 2028 — but it hasn’t always been this way for Asia.
Flashback to the 1997 Asian economic meltdown, when the financial crisis hit most of Asia and threatened to hit the rest of the world — you’ll struggle to link that to today, when some of Asia’s biggest countries are thriving. What was once a struggling financial area is now home to many countries that are seeing exponential growth. A prior crisis is now an opulent opportunity for these richer Asian countries, allowing them to establish their very own tourist attractions that thrive alongside gambling and casino tourism.
Now that Covid restrictions have been lifted, places that are renowned for casinos like Macao are growing exponentially due to some of the largest casinos in the world being built. Most notable in this growth is South East Asia, which is driving the gaming growth for the whole of Asia on its own. This part of the region houses the winning hands for all budding economies, along with world-class resorts and tourist destinations that are bringing everyone in.
So what is the history of the Philippines and the casino?
The first ever casino that was made legal in the Philippines was opened back in 1977 in Manila Bay, where it was held on a cruise ship of three decks. Sadly, just two years later, it was burnt to the ground, but it cemented this location as a historical gambling center in the Philippines — and this has never changed. The first brick-and-mortar casino that launched was in this exact destination and this then caused this part of the country to thrive and develop — due to the financial benefits it was providing. For the first time in Philippine history, you could sit and play games at the table.
We have come a very long way from there, and now you can access games wherever you are with a few button pushes. Fancy playing online roulette? No problem. Digital poker? It’s there. The world of casinos has changed for the better, and it is only growing bigger and more exciting. As of today, there are 20 land-based casinos in this bustling city of Manila and across the Philippines, such as Malate or Cebu, and they are all placed in some of the most luxurious resorts across the globe.
Casinos and gambling as a whole are growing so huge in the Philippines because it has been part of the people’s pastime for many decades. In fact, gambling in the Philippines has been dated back to the 16th century, where Chinese individuals would travel here for business, and engage in gambling along the way. Although it’s worlds away from some of today’s favorite casino games, the Filipinos and Chinese would bet on cockfights while on their travels.
But what are their favorite games today?
Just like all the other Southeast Asian countries that are experiencing unmatched growth in this betting world, the Philippines has found itself with a reputation of being a society that loves to gamble. Let’s take a look at the biggest games that thrive in this market and what the most popular choices today might be.
Classic Casino
Coming in as the most popular choice for most Filipinos is the classic casino games. Classic table games like roulette, blackjack, and baccarat are the most commonly played games in both brick-and-mortar entities and online. From slot machines to chips and cards, this is the world that brings in all the tourists and makes the most amount of money for the economy.
Horse racing
Not quite the same kind of fun as the casino, Horse Racing is still one of the Philippines’ most common forms of entertainment. One of the oldest choices for sports gambling, horse betting allows you to bet on multiple horses at the same time, to increase your chances of winning.
Mahjong
Played by families all over Asia, Mahjong is an extremely popular game – and can be wagered on when it gets to the casino. The tile-based game that was born in the 19th century in China is now one of Filipinos’ most beloved games. It requires plenty of skill, determination, and most of all — luck.
The gambling industry in the Philippines is only going to get bigger, and that will all be thanks to the classic casino games. Wealthy Chinese gamblers all have their eyes on the latest news, that $3 billion is being invested into the gaming industry, in the hopes of competing against Japan — which is also seeing its own rapid growth in the gambling world.