Gaming operations resume at Resorts World Manila

After the suspension order on its gaming license was listed by the industry regulator, Resorts World Manila on Thursday resumed casino operations nearly a month after the tragic arson incident, which left 38 people dead.

Casino operations in areas that were not affected by the June 2 incident will resume, Resorts World operator Travellers International Hotel Group Inc. told the Philippine Stock Exchange.

“With PAGCOR’s assistance and guidance, we can now start the difficult task of rebuilding as it is also our responsibility to take care of our 6,000 staff and personnel,” Travellers International President and CEO Kingson Sian said in a separate statement.

“We are bringing back the gaming operations on the ground and third floors of our integrated resort. The second floor will no longer be used for casino operations and will be utilized for other non-gaming purposes instead,” Sian noted.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) on Thursday lifted the suspension order on the provisional license to operate a gambling casino of Resorts World. It said that Travellers International was able to comply with the required security and safety improvements. 

Aside from improving safety and security protocols, PAGCOR also considered the company's 6,000 gaming operations workforce and the P14 million per day in foregone revenue that accrue to the government.

A week after a lone gunman attacked Resorts World, stole P113 million gaming chips, and burned gambling tables on June 2, the gaming regulator suspended the provisional license of the company pending the results of an investigation.

"Resorts World Manila passed the PAGCOR inspection that recognized how the enhancements and new emergency, safety and security protocols have been fortified since the June 2, 2017 incident," Sian said.

The company engaged the services of an international security outfit, Blackpanda, earlier this month to tighten external and internal security protocols. 

"RWM remains committed to putting in place the best security and safety measures available and will constantly review for upgrades as new technology and developments require," Sian said.

"Moving forward, RWM has also committed to further intensify its coordination and joint drill sessions with the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection for various emergency situations," he added. — VDS/AT, GMA News