PH Resorts, which is currently developing the Emerald Bay casino resort on the Philippines’ Cebu Island, has signed a deal with a junket operator in hopes of attracting high rollers from Japan.
According to Asia Gaming Brief, PH, a unit of Udenna Group, has reached a deal with ASKI Japan, provider of junket and VIP services for Japanese players in Asia. ASKI brings high-value gamblers to South Korean casinos and casinos in Manila’s Entertainment City through its Friday Club brand.
In 2019, Japan was the Philippines’ fourth-biggest tourism market, attracting more than 680,000 tourists, up 8 percent from the previous year. Almost 2 million Koreans visited, and before the pandemic Chinese visitation was on the rise. Significantly, Cebu was the top destination for international.
“We are very excited to get ASKI as a potential partner in the junket and VIP segment of Emerald Bay,” PH Resorts Chief Operating Officer Jose Angel Sueiro said. “The Japanese are no strangers to the Philippines, particularly Cebu, and we believe that Emerald Bay will be a very welcome attraction to them when it opens.”
PH Resorts hopes for a soft opening by the end of 2021 and ASKI Japan CEO Nobuhiro Imigi said gaming travelers will likely be eager to visit once pandemic restrictions end. “Our players are always looking for new and fun gaming destinations and Emerald Bay fits the bill with its convenient location just a few minutes from the airport and with a long and beautiful beachfront feature.”
Phase 1 of the beachfront property will feature 122 gaming tables including mass, premium mass and junkets, plus 600 EGMs.
