THE first racino (racing and casino) facility in the whole Asia opened Friday (December 8, 2006) in the Philippines during a soft opening inauguration proceeding at the San Lazaro Leisure Park (SLLP) in Carmona, Cavite.
The casino facility is situated inside the grandstand of the racing facility and at the fourth floor of the huge edifice built only four years ago and managed by the Manila Jockey Club Inc. The franchisee of the casino is the Casino Filipino.
Almost the whole floor is occupied by the said casino that is facing directly at the splendid racetrack which can be compared to the best racing facilities in the world today.
The SLLP is one of the most modern racetracks in Southeast Asia today. The other new racetrack is in Singapore which is being operated by the Singapore Turf Club but it has no casino inside its huge building.
Atty. Alfonso Reyno Jr. is very much enthusiastic about the opening of the first racino in Asia that would be serving local casino enthusiasts. “We believe that this first racino in Asia would pave the way for a much different kind of gaming not only in the country but also in the while Asia as well. We have seen some of the biggest casinos in Macau already. We think it’s about time that most major countries in Asia will follow suit.”
The San Lazaro Leisure Park is fast becoming a haven for many people who choose a more relax and cozy environment while having fun at the racetrack. There’s a posh, sprawling subdivision called Canyon Ranch fast erecting nearby. It is en elevated and gated subdivision where many have chosen to live in.
With the opening of the casino, most of these well-off families would be attracted to try their luck or even visit the new racino which would herald a new historic trail in basic living community in the country.
The races are being held at the SLLP for six days in a week, or twice a month, from Tuesdays to Sundays. Night-racing is done from Tuesday to Friday from 6 in the afternoon up to 10 in the evening while weekend racing starts from 2 to 9 on Saturdays and Sundays.
The SLLP is situated some 40 minutes away from Manila and some five minutes away from the Carmona exit in the South Luzon Expressway. It is some 300 meters away from the exit of the Southwoods Golf & Country Club if you’re going to the nearby Tagaytay, which is the considered summer capital of the south.
tags: racino, Philippine horse racing, Philippine casino, PAGCOR, San Lazaro racetrack
