U.S.-based casino operator Caesars Entertainment wants to build the “world’s first fly-in integrated resort” next to Manila International Airport in the Philippines (pictured).
Caesars President of International Development Stephen Tait said Caesars was willing to spend $1 billion on the project.
He told GGRAsia: “What’s most exciting about this opportunity is that we can create the world’s first ‘fly-in’ integrated [game] resort where we can fly planes straight to our accommodation and have direct access to the resort without having to deal with the traffic and other complexities of Manila itself.”
He said he was plotting a plan to allow private aircraft to fly to the site, which is partially controlled by airport authorities and can be rented on land, next to the airport.
The resort is aimed at VIPs and premium public players, while non-gaming elements are targeted at locals, Mr. Tait said.
Asked if VIPs could fly to visit the proposed resort’s high-roller area without opening the airport’s entry corridor, Mr Tait replied: “We’ll have to discuss it with the authorities going forward.”
“I think there could be some form of customs clearance through the airport or the airport could open a customs station on the [casino] site to use private planes. This is something we need to discuss further.”
McCarren International Airport in Las Vegas has a slot machine airside, but only departing passengers who have passed immigration and customs can use it.
Schiphol Amsterdam Airport in the Netherlands has a casino open to the public, run by Holland Casino, the exclusive operator of the Netherlands. Schiphol conducts security checks at its aircraft gates for passengers traveling to countries not covered by the Schengen Agreement of the European Union, according to the airport’s website. That means passengers and non-passengers are free to socialize at most of the airport facilities.
Mr Tait said of the Manila land Caesars is targeting: “It’s not part of the airport at the moment. I think it’s been used as a hotel in the past. There’s a lot of open space. So the airport is not available at the moment.” 바카라사이트 추천
He explained: “…We also want to create an overall non-game experience where locals can reinvigorate the area around the airport.”