Belle Corp in talks over Clark Freeport integrated casino

Belle Corporation has revealed that it is in active talks with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming
Corporation (PAGCOR) to begin construction of a $300m integrated resort in Clark Freeport, Pampanga.

Following reports in local media outlets that Belle Corp has secured its casino license, the operator confirmed that it was still in the process of obtaining full clearance from PAGCOR to begin the project. 

So far, PAGCOR’s Board of Directors has approved a Provisional License (PL) to be issued to Belle Corp, so that the operator may develop and operate an integrated resort in the Clark Special Economic Zone. 

To strengthen the plan, Belle Corp has asked that PLC and Belle, the parent company, be added as co-licensees to the project. 

This request is still currently being assessed by PAGCOR to ensure that it adheres to strict business regulations. 

Jason Nalupta, Belle Corporate Secretary, said: “We confirm that there are ongoing discussions with potential operators. Arrangements on this partnership shall be disclosed as soon as these have been agreed upon by transacting parties.” 

The integrated resort could realistically launch within three years, according to Belle, including the planning and construction phase.

Belle has set aside $300m to cover the project and “expects to derive lease and share in gross gaming revenues therefrom once the property becomes operational.” 

Clark is rapidly becoming a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) destination in the Philippines, and is located around 100km northwest of Manila. 

As the Philippines continues to support legal and regulated land-based operations, the country is also celebrating a long-awaited end to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activity. 

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said the Department of Justice has confirmed that no official POGO hubs are currently operating in the country, in line with a directive imposing a total ban on the sector.