Asian casino investor International Entertainment Corp. (IEC) has announced a deal to buy 382 slot machines from Malaysian gaming equipment firm RGB, paying $US5.7 million for the package.
According to Asia Gaming Brief, the slots will be installed at IEC’s New Coast Hotel Manila. The resort leases casino space to the Philippine Gaming and Amusement Corp. (PAGCOR), the country’s gaming regulator, which also serves as an operator.
IEC said in a statement, “In order to enhance the attraction of the entertainment equipment in the hotel premises, some of the games in the slot machines may require upgrades while some … may have to be replaced.
“In addition, due to the global relaxation on the Covid-19 travel restrictions, the tourism industry in the Philippines has started to rebound and the Group is prepared to expand its slot machines in the hotel premises to attract and cater for a greater number of patrons as well as to improve the income of the group from the gaming business.”
The first batch of machines will arrive in about two months. The second is expected in 12 to 18 weeks.
AGB reports that IEC is talking to PAGCOR about developing an integrated resort in Manila. It was granted a provisional casino license in September 2020 for the extension and upgrading of facilities at New Coast Hotel. IEC also runs PokerStars-branded events across most of Asia.
