The Philippines’ licensed casinos generated gross gaming revenue of Php21.77 billion (US$435 million) in the three months to 30 September 2021, up 44.8% over 3Q20 and 28.1% over the June quarter of 2021 according to information released by PAGCOR.
The improved performance came despite mandated closures across the national Capital Region, including Metro Manila, for much of the quarter. Manila’s casinos shut their doors on 6 August due to a surge in COVID-19 cases before being allowed to invite back some guests from 16 September. Main gaming floors were allowed to reopen at 30% capacity from 16 October, increased to 50% as of last Friday 5 November.
Despite the impact of the pandemic, Manila’s four integrated resorts – City of Dreams Manila, Okada Manila, Resorts World Manila and Solaire Resort & Casino – generated GGR of Php19.37 billion (US$387 million) in Q3 compared with Php14.67 billion (US$293 million) in the June quarter.
Casinos in Clark generated GGR of Php2.31 billion (US$46 million), their best result in 18 months although still around 40% lower than in late 2019.
However, PAGCOR operated casinos recorded their lowest result in a year with GGR of Php1.68 billion (US$34 million) representing a 6.6% decline on Q2.
Total industry GGR was Php26.94 billion (US$539 million) in 3Q21, up 52.55% year-on-year and 29.1% quarter-on-quarter.