Bloomberry Resorts Corporation recently dampened speculation about a potential expansion into Thailand. Media outlets had circulated rumors that Bloomberry CEO Enrique Razon Jr., intrigued by the possibility of Thailand legalizing gambling, was considering opening a casino resort in the country and closely monitoring its progress on the matter.
However, in an official communication to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Bloomberry refuted the reports. The company acknowledged the circulating information regarding Thailand’s potential legalization of gambling but asserted it possessed no concrete details or insider knowledge of any advancements on that front. Despite the flurry of market chatter, Bloomberry emphatically declared that “no such strategy” was in motion and underscored its current lack of plans to venture into the Thai market.
This clarification follows closely on the heels of Bloomberry’s grand unveiling of its newest hotel venture, the Solaire Resort North in Quezon City. The event was a glamorous affair, attended by prominent figures including Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, alongside Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman Alejandro Tengco.
Andrea Domingo, the Chairperson of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), commended Bloomberry Resorts for their commitment to a fresh resort development in Quezon City. Domingo feels the resort will be a significant attraction, introducing a new era for both Philippine tourism and the gaming sector. This arrives as the corporation navigates financial challenges, with a decrease in Q1 2024 profits attributed to escalating expenses, making the resort a crucial venture.
Concurrently, Thailand is also emerging as a prospective gaming hub. The concept of authorizing casinos and wagering gained momentum in 2023, with the Head of Government indicating his endorsement. This has garnered attention from prominent entities like Galaxy Entertainment and MGM Resorts, who are keen to access the Thai market. Nevertheless, the regulatory framework is still evolving. Current suggestions encompass restricting casino area within entertainment venues to 5% and implementing a 17% casino levy once the legislation is ratified.