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Boracay’s First Casino: Comprehensive Guide to the Kaban Hotel and Casino Opening

By jili tutorial · September 16, 2026

Boracay’s First Casino: Comprehensive Guide to the Kaban Hotel and Casino Opening

Overview: Boracay Welcomes Its First Operational Casino

Boracay, the renowned Philippine island known for its white-sand beaches and vibrant tourism scene, is set to open its first operational casino in September 2024. The Kaban Hotel and Casino Boracay, scheduled to welcome guests on September 16, marks a significant milestone for the island’s hospitality and entertainment landscape. While an official grand opening is planned for October, early access will allow visitors to experience the property before its full launch.

This guide provides an in-depth look at the casino development, its location, ownership, facilities, and the broader political and economic context surrounding its approval.

Details of the Kaban Hotel and Casino Boracay

Location and Surrounding Resorts

The Kaban Hotel and Casino is situated along Boracay Highway in the northwestern area of the island, offering direct views of Punta Bunga Beach. It sits close to two five-star resorts—Mövenpick Resort and Spa Boracay and Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay—making it part of an upscale hospitality cluster. The property is integrated into a larger 23-hectare master-planned development that aims to transform the area into a commercial and leisure hub.

Developer and Ownership Background

The project is spearheaded by Golden TW Realty and Development Corp., a Philippine-based company specializing in hospitality, entertainment, and retail. The company is controlled by Zibin Liang, a Chinese national who obtained Philippine citizenship in 2021. Liang built his wealth primarily through the financial services industry and holds a leadership role at Top Bank, a rural bank in the Philippines. His background highlights the intersection of cross-border investment and local real estate development in the country’s gaming sector.

Facilities and Amenities

Designed as a six-storey complex, Kaban combines accommodation, gaming, and dining under one roof:

Kaban’s president and CEO, Kevin Wong, stated that the property aims to be more than just a destination—it combines world-class entertainment with Filipino hospitality while blending culture, leisure, and celebration.

Economic and Employment Impact

Local Hiring and Workforce

Golden TW reports that approximately 40% of Kaban’s initial workforce comes from the surrounding province of Aklan. This local hiring initiative is part of the company’s commitment to community development and aligns with broader efforts to boost employment in the region. For an island heavily dependent on tourism, new jobs in hospitality and gaming can provide stable income for residents.

Long-Term Development Plans

Kaban is only one component of Golden TW’s larger vision for the area known as Station 0—a commercial and leisure district that extends beyond Boracay’s traditional beachfront strip. The developer is also building Boracay Central, a lifestyle shopping mall scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2026. Together, these projects aim to diversify the island’s economy beyond beach tourism and create a year-round destination for shopping, entertainment, and gaming.

Political and Regulatory Context

Previous Rejection of Casino Projects

Boracay’s first casino attempt dates back to 2017, when Galaxy Entertainment—one of Macau’s six major gaming operators—proposed a $550 million Las Vegas-style resort. The project was designed to attract international visitors, particularly from South Korea and China. However, then-President Rodrigo Duterte ultimately rejected the proposal. Duterte publicly stated that he had received divine guidance after speaking with God, who allegedly told him that residents opposed gambling on Boracay. This religious justification halted the ambitious plan.

Shift in Policy: 2021 Moratorium Lifted

In 2021, the Philippine government lifted a moratorium on new casino construction, opening the door for applications like Golden TW’s. This policy change reflected a pragmatic approach to economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, as casinos generate significant tax revenue and employment. The lifting of the moratorium paved the way for Kaban’s eventual approval and construction.

Current Stance on Offshore Gaming

While the government has loosened restrictions on land-based casinos, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has maintained a firm position against offshore gaming operations (POGOs). Despite this, the administration has allowed the expansion of physical casino projects, including Kaban. This distinction underscores a nuanced regulatory environment: the Philippines welcomes domestic casino tourism but remains cautious about online gambling linked to cross-border crime and social issues.

Broader Implications for Boracay Tourism

The arrival of a casino on Boracay is significant because the island has historically positioned itself as a nature-centric, family-friendly destination. In 2018, Boracay underwent a six-month closure for environmental rehabilitation, during which many illegal structures were removed. The new casino development raises questions about the island’s future image.

Supporters argue that Kaban will attract high-spending tourists, create jobs, and boost the local economy, especially outside the peak beach season. Critics warn that casinos could alter Boracay’s character, increase crime, and lead to social problems such as gambling addiction. The project’s small scale (88 rooms and a 2,000 sqm gaming floor) suggests a boutique approach rather than a mega-resort, which may mitigate some concerns.

Key Takeaways