Manila, Philippines

Nestled along Manila Bay’s shimmering coastline, Metro Manila has transformed from hulking colonial outpost to Asia’s fastest‑rising gaming mecca. From traditional cockpits of the Spanish era to state‑of‑the‑art integrated resorts, the Philippine capital invites the luxury gambler to indulge in a uniquely Filipino blend of warmth, extravagance and adrenaline.

A Heritage of High Stakes

Gambling in the Philippines has roots in pre‑colonial and Spanish‑era pastimes, but it wasn’t until the creation of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) in 1976 that Metro Manila’s casino industry took its modern shape¹². Under PAGCOR’s stewardship, the floating Manila Bay Casino opened on the MS Philippine Tourist in 1977, only to be replaced by land‑based operations after a 1979 fire². Today, Manila’s deep‑pocketed enthusiasts trace their lineage to these beginnings each time they test their luck beneath the bright lights.

The Integrated Resort Revolution

The vision of Entertainment City—a 120‑hectare reclaimed zone along the Manila Bay coastline—has ushered in a new era of Las Vegas‑style glamour. First to break ground was Solaire Resort & Casino, a $1.2 billion resort by Bloomberry Resorts Corporation, inaugurated on March 16, 2013³. Soon followed by City of Dreams Manila, a Melco Resorts and Belle Corporation joint venture featuring three hotel brands (Nobu, Nüwa, Hyatt Regency) and a gaming floor spanning over 500 table games and 2,000 slots⁴, and Okada Manila, Tiger Resorts’ $2.4 billion masterpiece known for its dancing fountain and indoor beach club⁴. Together, these complexes anchor a constellation of high‑roller salons, VIP clubs and baccarat tables that redefine urban extravagance.

Where to Lay Your Head

After the roulette wheel spins down, Manila’s historic and modern palaces await:

• The Manila Hotel, opened July 4, 1912, is the city’s grand dame, its neoclassical façade and storied MacArthur Suite recalling a century of state visits and silver‑screen legends⁵.
• The Peninsula Manila, inaugurating Makati’s luxury era on September 14, 1976, blends classic Art Deco wings with seven upscale restaurants and bars over 469 rooms⁶.
• Makati Shangri‑La, perched above Ayala Avenue since April 27, 1993, offers sleek high‑rise vistas, tranquil shine‑glass lobbies and the first Horizon Club Business Rooms in the Philippines⁷.

After‑Hours in the City

As casino lights dim, Manila’s nightlife pulses through Makati, BGC and historic Intramuros. Speakeasy‑style bars like O Bar and Nectar Nightclub flourish in Poblacion’s alleyways⁸, while rooftop perches—such as the Sky Deck at The Bayleaf Hotel—unfurl 360° panoramas of the glowing skyline. For the culturally curious, live jazz lounges, pop‑up art shows and clandestine whisky tastings share real estate with 24‑hour clubs that keep the party alive until crow‑caw.

Culinary Convergence

Integrated resorts double as gastronomic showcases: Solaire boasts 15 dining venues ranging from vintage French brasseries to modern Asian fusion; City of Dreams hosts Nobu Manila, Crystal Dragon Chinese fine dining and Red Ginger’s Southeast Asian specialties⁹¹⁰; Okada Manila’s Red Spice and Enbu spotlight Pan‑Asian flare against a volcanic fountain backdrop¹¹. Beyond the Strip, Makati’s power lunch spots—Whistler’s Café Society and the Michelin‑caliber Gallery Vask—beckon with chef‑driven tasting menus and avant‑garde Filipino haute cuisine.

For the luxury traveler drawn to modern spectacle and storied tradition, Manila’s gaming destinations offer a singular blend of tropical charm, high‑stakes drama and five‑star hospitality—proof that the appeal of risk is as timeless as it is exhilarating.