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Cebu’s first IR catches junkets’ attention NUSTAR Resort & Casino is on track to open on Cebu island in the Philippines in March next year and is already attracting interest from junket operators
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he island in the central Visayas is one of the most visited in the archipelago and is already a popular tourist destination. There are currently about seven gaming facilities on the island, several of which are smaller operations known as VIP clubs. The full-scale casinos are being operated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR), with the major revenue contributor the Waterfront in Cebu City. NUSTAR will be the first upscale resort, although others are planned, including the PH Resorts’ Emerald Bay Resort.
Asia Gaming Briefings | October 2021
“For any competition that is going up in Cebu, I think it’s most welcome,” said Trevor Hammond, NUSTAR’s vice president of table games, in an interview with Asia Gaming Brief. “The more competition we have will drive and create critical mass for the region.” “We will be the first IR to open up and we’ve had a lot of interest from various businesses and junkets because it is an ideal location. It’s not just another gambling spot. There’s such a variety of amenities.” “The site is ideal, the water is pristine clear, it’s going to be a great spot. International tourists will come in and the mix will be quite wide,” he said.
