Expansion of Leisure and Resorts World Philippines Under Government Investigation Due to Gaming Activities
In a recent turn of events, the Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has issued a provisional license to a partnership between Galaxy Entertainment Group and Leisure and Resorts World (LRWC) for a $500 million casino and hotel project on Boracay. However, it is important to clarify that as of 2025, Leisure and Resorts World Corporation (LRWC) has no imminent plans to open a casino on Boracay island [5].
Despite this, investment and development involving casinos on Boracay are advancing through other channels. Alliance Global Group (AGI), another major player in the Philippine gaming and resort industry, is actively investing in a $300 million boutique integrated resort project on the island, which will feature a boutique casino as part of its development [3][4].
Leisure and Resorts World Corporation (LRWC), which operates online gambling brands like Bingo Plus and Arena Plus, is expanding its operations. The company reported a net income of PHP480 million ($9.4 million) last year, a 12 percent increase from 2017 [6]. Part of this expansion includes the addition of new arcades and the acquisition of existing venues. LRWC is also planning to offer beyond traditional slots, e-casino, and bingo games.
The capital infusion for LRWC's expansion comes from a PHP4.4-billion ($86.2 million) investment raised in March from financial firms. A large portion of the proceeds will be used to refinance LRWC's existing obligations [7]. This investment will help sustain LRWC's dominance in the gaming sector and strengthen its financial position.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) shut down several hundred venues across the nation in June, due to what President Rodrigo Duterte called "massive corruption" involving Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) games [8]. In a shift of stance, Duterte announced in May that he could no longer "control" gambling in the Philippines and would let individuals decide for themselves about taking part in popular forms of gaming [9].
In November 2020, Duterte announced a ban on gambling on Boracay, citing the island residents' opposition to gambling [10]. However, in February, Francis Lui, Vice Chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group, stated that the company was not ready to concede its plans to build a casino resort on Boracay [2].
One proposed LRWC venue on Boracay island faces many obstacles due to political opposition and recent drainage and sewage improvements. The company's expansion plans also include upgrading its current outlets, which totaled 192 sites as of last year [1].
Albee Benitez, who previously represented Negros Occidental in Congress, is returning as LRWC's chairman, replacing Reynaldo Bantug who retired on July 17 [1]. The article was posted on July 30, 2019, and last updated on June 23, 2025.
References:
- LRWC to upgrade its outlets
- Galaxy Entertainment Group not ready to concede Boracay casino plans
- Alliance Global to build $300-M Boracay resort
- Alliance Global's Boracay resort to have boutique casino
- LRWC clarifies no Boracay casino plans
- LRWC posts P480-M net income in 2018
- LRWC raises P4.4-B from private placement
- PNP shuts down 600 venues with PCSO games
- Duterte lets Filipinos decide on gambling
- Duterte bans gambling on Boracay
Sports such as card games and slot machines are integral parts of a diverse array of gaming activities offered by Leisure and Resorts World Corporation (LRWC). Despite having no immediate plans to open a casino on Boracay island, LRWC is expanding its operations, which includes the addition of new arcades and the acquisition of existing venues [1, 6].
