The Asian Poker Tour (APT) has inked a new exclusive agreement with Resorts World Manila (RWM) that will see the popular tour host at least two major APT festivals at RWM each year in 2022 and 2023.
The agreement continues a long relationship between the two companies which has seen the APT host 25 events at RWM dating back to 2011.
This year’s events are scheduled for 27 April to 8 May and 7 to 18 September.
“It’s just so good to be back,” said APT CEO Jeff Mann after COVID-19 forced the cancelation of events through 2020 and 2021.
“Like many live, large scale events, we had to take a break for two years because of COVID but we are already targeting at least eight major events in Asia this year. I am delighted – and it is appropriate – that we start on our post COVID ‘build back stronger’ campaign with our long-term partner Resorts World Manila.”
Hakan Dagtas, RWM’s Executive Vice President and Chief Gaming and Marketing Officer, said, “Before the pandemic, RWM had plans in hand to establish the largest poker room in Asia.
“With the casino now returning to normal operations, those plans are firmly back on the drawing board. Our goal is to spearhead the initiative to ensure Manila becomes the poker capital of Asia.”
The Philippines dropped the majority of COVID-19 restrictions, including capacity limits in public venues, across the National Capital Region, which includes Metro Manila, on 1 March amid falling case numbers.