The gaming industry in the Philippines is undergoing a transformative period, with growth opportunities expanding beyond Metro Manila. In an exclusive interview with SiGMA News during the SiGMA Land-Based Retreat in Incheon, South Korea, Evan Spytma, CEO of Casino Plus and Hotel Stotsenberg, shared his insights on the future of land-based gaming, online integration, and the evolving gaming landscape in the Philippines. 

While Metro Manila remains a competitive hub for both Philippine Inland Gaming Operators (PIGOs) and traditional casinos, Spytma sees vast potential for expansion outside the capital. ?

“If you look at the most competitive market, there’s still room for growth. A great example is Solaire [Resort] North, a beautiful property just opened away from Entertainment City,” he said, adding that success in such saturated areas highlights the possibilities for further ventures across the country. Solaire Resort North is an integrated resort under the Bloomberry Resorts Corporation which opened last May and is located north of Metro Manila, in Quezon City. 

“If you can succeed in a place like Metro Manila, the rest of the Philippines is wide open for opportunities.” 

The convergence of land-based and online gaming 

“Now, land-based casinos are the foundation for something bigger — our online platform.”

– Evan Spytma

Spytma told SiGMA News, Casino Plus has shifted its strategy by integrating online gaming with its land-based operations. Spytma explained how this approach is opening doors to new player segments. 

“Traditionally, land-based casinos focused on creating beautiful spaces to attract players, but with the rise of online gaming, we’ve had to shift that model. Now, land-based casinos are the foundation for something bigger — our online platform,” he said. This strategy allows casinos to access a growing player base of 12 to 13 million users, offering them complete technology and management support at no cost. 

Tapping into the mass market with slot machines 

One of Casino Plus’ key strengths is its focus on slot machines, a staple for the local mass market. Spytma attributed their popularity to understanding the preferences of Filipino players.  

“We’ve become very popular for our slots. The main reason is the jackpots,” he said. Casino Plus focuses on offering frequent payouts and larger jackpots, with games specifically designed to appeal to Filipino players. “The math was right, the art was right, and then it was just a matter of having enough slots to keep the momentum going,” Spytma noted. 

Seamless online integration 

A standout feature of Casino Plus is its seamless integration of land-based operations with online platforms, which has been instrumental in expanding their player base. “One of the great advantages of having an online platform is the ability to track customer behaviour in detail,” Spytma said. This data-driven approach helps optimise gaming experiences and allows the company to tailor its offerings to different player segments. 

Attracting international tourists with a strategic location 

Casino Plus is also targeting international tourists, particularly from South Korea, the top foreign visitors to the Philippines. Its casino, located near the growing Clark International Airport, benefits from direct flights to and from South Korea.  

However, the location near the airport also presents challenges. “It’s a blessing of location, but the curse is, our footprint is limited. We can’t expand because the airport is there,” Spytma said, adding that this has forced the company to become more efficient in utilising its available floor space. 

E-wallet integration and the future of digital finance in gaming 

The rise of e-wallet platforms like GCash and Maya is another significant development for Casino Plus. Spytma sees these platforms as essential for the company’s future, given their widespread use and ease of payment.  

“These e-wallets are definitely some of our largest customers online in terms of ease of payment,” he remarked. Looking ahead, Spytma envisions e-wallets evolving into super apps, providing a range of services beyond simple transactions and offering features like predictive analysis and improved fraud detection. 

According to the 2023 Report on E-Payments Measurement of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the country’s central bank, the share of digital payment transactions to total monthly retail payments in the Philippines grew from 42.1 percent in 2022 to 52.8 percent in 2023. 

The impact of POGO ban and future challenges 

Despite the positive outlook, Spytma acknowledged the challenges posed by recent government actions against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Last July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a total ban on POGOs by the end of the year, citing crimes such as human trafficking and money laundering being linked to the operation. 

Spytma expressed concern over the potential shift of POGOs into the local market as PIGOs, which could lead to increased marketing costs for domestic casinos. “If the POGOs move over to PIGOs, that means marketing costs are going to go through the roof,” Spytma warned. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic about the long-term growth of the Philippine market, particularly in the online sector. 

The future of Philippine gaming 

As the gaming industry in the Philippines continues to evolve, Spytma believes that the convergence of land-based and online gaming will be a key factor in future success. “We’re going to expedite that shift from land-based to online and show them what that market could potentially look like,” he said, emphasising Casino Plus’ commitment to innovation and growth.