The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has closed the Casino Filipino site in Talisay, Cebu, and declared another in Tagum, Davao del Norte will soon follow suit.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said both gaming venues have been incurring “significant losses over the past years” and announced the closures as part of the agency’s ongoing rationalisation plan.
Casino Filipino Talisay, operated by Casino Filipino Cebu, incurred net losses of Php39.32m (US$543,603) in 2023, and then Php49.56m ($854,652) in losses in 2024.
Casino Filipino Tagum, operated by Casino Filipino Grand Regal, on the other hand suffered a Php31.56m ($543,620) net loss in 2023, and a loss of Php36.93m ($636,074) in 2024.
“Given the sustained financial strain, continuing operations at these sites is no longer feasible,” Tengco said.
“While our decision was driven by mounting financial losses, safeguarding the welfare of affected employees through job reassignment and comprehensive support programs is our top priority,” he said.
The 42 employees from Casino Filipino Talisay will be transferred to various branches under Casino Filipino Cebu, while the 33 employees from Casino Filipino Tagum will be deployed to different sites under the Casino Filipino Grand Regal in Davao.
