Manuel Villar Jr., the wealthiest man in the country with a net worth of 12.4 billion, is expanding into the casino industry. His first property will be opened by the end of 2025 in the redeveloped Vista Mall Global South in Las Piñas. The 18,000-square-meter area that is already present along the C5 Extension will be converted into a gaming center.
Villar cited the closeness of the location to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 as an obvious advantage. To the foreigners, especially those who come to play the junket, having a casino within minutes of a flight makes it more convenient to mix business with leisure. Although the gaming table and floor size are yet to be finalized, Villar confirmed the construction plans would be ready by the 2025 launch.
The Las Pinas casino is just a starting point. Villar also unveiled intentions of a second and still bigger project in his ambitious Villar City project. Villar City is a huge mixed-use estate spanning 3,500 hectares in 15 cities, all in Metro Manila and Cavite. It will comprise schools, hospitals, museums, an arena, cultural centers, as well as large parks. The second casino will be located in this space as a component of a larger entertainment and lifestyle sector to appeal to the locals and international tourists.
With Villar’s move into gaming, the Philippines is signaling that it wants a larger share of the global casino market. Designed with international travelers in mind, the new project is expected to stand alongside leading destinations in Asia and beyond. Investors and industry watchers already draw comparisons with Macau, Singapore, and emerging Middle Eastern hubs like online casino Dubai. By investing heavily in integrated resorts, Villar is positioning the Philippines as more than a local option. It’s becoming a contender on the world stage.
The Villar Group was granted its casino license during the Duterte regime, just prior to a freeze on new casino licenses between 2018 and 2021. That was the time Villar was able to proceed after the moratorium was removed. The license was given out as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) still focused on the consistency between growth and regulation.
Gaming revenue in the Philippines jumped more than 19% in the first half of 2024, reflecting strong demand both from domestic players and international travelers. Entertainment City in Parañaque has long been the center of the industry, but with Villar’s entry, the market is widening. New properties outside that zone could spread gaming activity across Metro Manila, offering more competition and fresh destinations for visitors.
The investment of this Filipino billionaire is estimated at around $1 billion for his integrated casino resorts. The amount underlines how seriously he’s approaching the industry. By tying casinos to large-scale property developments, Villar is following a model seen in other parts of Asia, where resorts blend entertainment with retail, dining, and cultural attractions.
For now, construction in Las Piñas continues as Villar City takes shape. Both projects reflect how the country’s gaming sector is evolving, with local tycoons pushing it closer to the level of global entertainment hubs.