Melco considering Philippine igaming launch, Seaport says
Analysts say the operator is considering a launch of online gaming via City of Dreams Manila.
The Philippines.- Melco Resorts & Entertainment is considering launching an igaming operation at City of Dreams Manila as the casino resort faces competition from rivals that operate in both land-based and online gaming. That’s according to Seaport Research Partners, which cites discussions with Melco management at the 2026 Seaport Annual Summer Conference.
Senior analyst Vitaly Umansky said that no decision has been made but notes that City of Dreams Manila is currently the only major casino resort in Manila’s Entertainment City without an igaming operation. Its main competitors all have igaming businesses permitted by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR).
However, Melco is also keeping open the possibility of selling its operations at City of Dreams Manila. According to Seaport, the company would consider a divestment if it receives what it considers the right valuation.
Melco began reviewing “strategic alternatives” for its involvement in the Manila property in February 2025. The company ended that review in February 2026 after determining that the options considered would not fully realise the property’s value and potential, but it did not rule out a future sale. Analysts previously estimated that a deal could generate close to US$600m for Melco.
Seaport has described the outlook for Melco’s Manila business as stable despite rising competition.
