Save Money While Visiting Casinos in Manila
Even though it’s a haven for punters in Asia, there are plenty of ways to save money when visiting Manila. Ever since the Arroyo government opened up the Philippine gambling market in 2008, their casino industry exploded in growth. In 2018, the gross gaming revenue in the Philippines is expected to reach 186 billion pesos ($3.57 billion). This is a staggering 9.4% growth from last year, and most of this development is concentrated in Manila. Despite trying to curb the number of new licenses, Manila boasts 13 casinos. These feature over 4,741 pokies machines, which is causing a massive influx of punters.
Faced with a flood of international visitors, the tourism sector in Manila has been forced to evolve. While the industry has grown exponentially in the last decade, it’s still far from perfect. From rampant scams to innocent pitfalls, there are plenty of issues to avoid. Fortunately, following a few tips can save travelers large sums of money. Most scams revolve around targeting those who are lost, so being prepared is the best deterrent.
To showcase the potential of this blooming gambling mecca, we compiled a list of ways to save money in Manila. These tips are geared towards punters, since this city is infamous for its larger than life casinos. Unbeknownst to most travelers, there are plenty of amenities that Manila has to offer. Quit paying full price for services that are secretly offered for free. Manila is an epic place to visit, so learn how to navigate this bustling metropolis like a pro!
Tips to Save Money in Manila
Get connected as quickly as possible.
Tip #3: Receive a Free Tourist SIM Card – To properly navigate Manila, having a working cellphone is essential. From accessing free Wi-Fi zones to making calls, many operators require a Filipino SIM card to connect. Fortunately, every international airport in the Philippines offers a free SIM card to tourists. Most of these come with a small amount of free credit, which is a godsend when coordinating transportation. These cards can be topped up with a minimal amount of cash, which makes them indispensable. Having a working phone provides even more ways to save, so invest time in receiving a free SIM card!
Use apps instead of cabs.
Tip #2: Avoid Taxis – In the Philippines, almost half of the tourist scams involve taxi drivers. From rigging meters to drugging passengers, there’s no shortage of reasons to avoid taxis. Unscrupulous taxi drivers tend to cluster around airports, so avoid them all-together. After receiving your free SIM card, download the app Grab & schedule a ride. For those who are feeling adventurous, a 20p shuttle takes passengers from the airport to the first MRT stop called Taft. There are also clusters of Jeepneys at the 711 across Andrews Ave, so there’s no shortage of cheap transportation options.
Get to Resorts World Manila for free & become a member to enjoy more perks!
Tip #1: Visit Resorts World Manila – Whether you are stuck in the airport during a layover or just want to gamble, Resorts World Manila can’t be missed. This bustling casino boasts a 323,000 square feet gaming floor with 1,500 gaming machines & 300 table games. There are also over 11 restaurants to choose from & a nightclub. The best part is, there’s free transportation from the airport arrival bay.
After picking up your bags, look for a big red sign that says “Resorts World Manila”. Visitors can take the shuttle, drop off their luggage at the casino & become a member for free. This last option is highly recommended, since you get a free 100p voucher, discounts throughout the casino & free entry to the nightclub. This is the perfect introduction to Manila’s casino industry, so take advantage of these perks before visiting the integrated resorts!
