Tycoon Andrew Tan's casino unit launches online gaming app
Andrew Tan
Travellers International Hotel Group Inc. launched its regulated online casino platform as the country’s brick-and-mortar gaming giants increasingly pivot to the digital space.
In a statement, PhilWeb Corp. said the integrated resort operator controlled by billionaire Andrew tapped the web-gaming software provider to deploy and commercially roll out the new platform, dubbed NWR Play.
The digital application is designed to mimic and extend Newport World Resorts' land-based luxury gaming experience directly to domestic players’ smartphones.
The expansion comes amid broader land rush into the Philippines’ lucrative Electronic Gaming (E-Gaming) sector. The market has ballooned under relaxed regulatory frameworks managed by the state regulator, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor).
PhilWeb, acting as the accredited gaming system administrator, is providing the underlying infrastructure for NWR Play. The setup integrates backend cloud systems, regulatory compliance tools, customer support channels, and automated fraud-detection features powered by artificial intelligence.
To scale up user retention, the mobile portal will feature premium betting software from international supplier Pragmatic Play, leveraging an exclusive nationwide distribution agreement that PhilWeb secured previously.
“The commercial launch demonstrates our capability to execute and deploy end-to-end digital infrastructure for the industry's most recognized luxury integrated resort brands,” PhilWeb President Brian Ng.
He noted that recent strategic capitalization allowed the technology firm to build out data-driven capabilities matching premium hospitality standards.
For Travellers International, the digital launch marks a critical operational milestone under its refreshed leadership team, led by President and Chief Executive Officer Nilo Thaddeus Rodriguez. The enterprise—situated across from Manila’s primary international airport terminal—operates a massive complex encompassing massive gaming floors, retail hubs, and high-end hotels including the Marriott and Sheraton brands.
“This launch marks a key milestone in Newport World Resorts’ digital expansion, bringing our reputable gaming experience to more Filipinos through NWR Play,” Rodriguez said. “Complementing our land-based operations, NWR Play delivers a broader, secure, and responsible online gaming platform to the market.”
The deal adds Newport to PhilWeb’s rapidly expanding business-to-business tech ecosystem, which already services competing multi-billion peso integrated resorts, including Okada Manila, Hann Casino Resort, and NUSTAR Resort and Casino. (James A. Loyola)