A new casino is in the works in Manila, and the company behind the project is a US-based developer. The company, which was once known as SunTrust Home Developers, sold its non-gaming assets to a local partner. They also plan to expand their gaming operations by building more casinos.
The casino itself is spread across the entire site, with three levels dedicated to gaming. The building also houses two hotels: the Newport Grand Wing and Holiday Inn Express Manila. The gaming spaces here feature state-of-the-art slot machines and card tables. The gaming floor itself features more than seventy tables, as well as a spa, a sauna and a Japanese restaurant.
After spending $300 million for the site, the City of Paranaque transfers the rights to develop six hectares to Universal’s affiliate. The city also certifies the casino’s registration under special status, which exempts the company from paying corporate taxes. The Philippine Economic Zone Authority then issues a provisional license for the casino. The company then hosts high-ranking Philippine government officials in Las Vegas, including former President Miguel Arroyo.
The commercial for the new casino in Manila, dubbed City of Dreams Manila, has a Hollywood-quality cast and a $70 million budget. The actors reportedly received $13 million each for this series of ads.
