Samal Casino Resort^{1}

Samal Casino Resort is located in Samal’s Kaputian district. The resort started operating as a hotel and casino in late 1997 with 300 rooms and a ballroom that could accommodate 3,000 people. The Samal Island resort, developed at a cost of more than $250 million in the early 1990s, was valued at P2 billion before it was shut down due to the Asian financial crisis. Samal Casino Resort was Ekran Berhad’s contribution to the East ASEAN Growth Area concept promoted by private business chambers in the region during the early 1990s.

There has been discussion about the re-opening of the casino, but to date it remains closed. It would take a large investment and needs a lot of improvements, from what I understand. The Island Garden City of Samal is losing both real estate taxes (P4 million annually) from the property, and employment opportunities.

Government officials appear motivated to help get the casino going again, and are reportedly offering incentives to do so. With the current state of development on IGaCoS I’m betting that it’s just a matter of time before it’s re-opened either by the current owners, or with new owners. Though with only 18 hectares of the 250 hectares developed, there could be potential for other possibilities.

Thanks to Macky for the use of his photo.

By Randy Category: Samal Island, Tourist Attractions Tags: casino resort, East ASEAN, ekran berhad, Kaputian