Entertainment City’s emerging scene
A throng of slot machine players flood Solaire’s gigantic
gaming floor on a Sunday afternoon that it is hard to believe news reports that they are actually in
the red.
Of course, the real money makers would be the big players (such as the
Chinese market that did not materialize in large numbers due to the Spratly Islands
tension). Nevertheless, Korean visitors seem to be more visible nowadays.
Families with children are allowed to walk along selected
aisles, much to the chagrin of more conservative parents who are concerned
about exposing their children to gambling. For example, the only way to reach
the food court would be to pass through these aisles.
In other casinos like City of Dreams, the gaming area is
isolated and children are not allowed inside the premises.
A third casino called Okada Manila is currently being built
and is expected to open before the end of 2016.
These casinos seem to have found a way to attract not just playing adults but families as well. For example, City of Dreams touts its popular DreamPlay arena geared especially for children.
At City of Dreams, however, there is no food court area for the general public, as compared to other casinos.
Crown Towers Manila in City of Dreams, along with other hotels in Entertainment City, offers staycation packages for families. The lobby centerpiece is a favorite spot for selfies and family pics.
The buffet breakfast at Crown Towers is ordered from the menu (eat all you can) with a few breads and pastries displayed at the table.
At Solaire Resorts, the rooms are spacious enough for families, with their double beds. Other casino hotels offer similar amenities but may have different policies on children.
The suites at the newer Solaire Sky Tower include a sofa area and special bathroom amenities like Ferragamo shampoo and soap.
A few years back, I wrote for the Philippine Daily Inquirer about the developing casino industry in the Philippines. At that time, there was huge opposition about its development.
However, the current scene is a reality that cannot be completely ignored. There appears a need for families to understand and explain the new phenomenon to their children (usually when the question arises).
In a country that is predominantly Catholic, the church does not expressly prohibit gambling in reasonable amounts but has given guidelines many years ago.
It is a fact, however, that gambling can easily become an addiction. Thus, the perspective on casinos needs to reviewed with much caution.
