Okada Manila starts soft launch of online gaming product

Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc, the operator behind the Okada Manila property, has announced the soft launch of iGaming in the Philippines. The soft launch period will take place for a short time before the company expects to be fully operational in the domestic market.

Ready for Full-Time Operations

The soft launch takes place close to a year after the company was given approval by PAGCOR to offer online casino gaming. The Okada Manila property was provided licensing based on the Philippine Inland Gaming Operators plan.

Before the soft launch began, Tiger completed a round of simulation testing for its systems to ensure all protocols are followed. The operations must function based on local laws and regulations, including having strict anti-money laundering protocols in place.

It is expected that the live will be fully operational before April ends. The site currently offers six baccarat tables and two roulette options, along with 80 electronic games. The total gaming options will increase to 16 table games in just a short time, with 10 more baccarat tables added. The company also has plans to increase its electronic game total online to 150.

Revenue Help After COVID-19

The new Philippine Inland Gaming Operators plan was created due to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Philippines’ gaming operations. PAGCOR saw the scheme as a way for casinos and integrated resorts to offer gambling options without fear of spreading the virus.

Existing registered members of the operator could log in and play from anywhere in the country, instead of needing to travel. The Philippines, like many other countries around the world, was heavily affected by the virus. Patrons either didn’t want to travel to casinos or couldn’t due to closures or tight restrictions connected to the virus.

With the online options, players can play anytime they like without the chance of spreading the virus to others or catching it. The hope is that the online gaming revenues will help to supplement any losses incurred during the pandemic and help the casino industry to continue with the recovery process.

For Tiger Resort, Leisure, and Entertainment Inc., the company will see the online gaming revenue incorporated into the financial results of parent company Universal Entertainment Corporation. The results will be included in FY22 reports.

It will be interesting to see how the online operator fares once the services are launched fully in the country. Will enough players log online to make a dent in revenue needs?