Aruze, the Japanese maker of pinball, pachinko and other gambling machines, said it plans to open its first casino resort - in the Philippine capital of Manila - by early 2010. The company, which owns about 24 per cent of Wynn Resorts, was granted a provisional gaming licence last month by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor), the government casino monopoly that wants to build a huge casino and entertainment complex.

Manila - Three foreign companies have been approved to take part in a USD 15-billion Las Vegas-style casino and tourism complex in the Philippine capital, it was announced Thursday. The project, which will incorporate casinos, luxury hotels and a golf course, will cover 90 hectares (222 acres) of reclaimed land on Manila Bay.