Content Writer: Janice Chew • Saturday, 26/01/2026 - 01:13:08 - AM
Century Entertainment International Holdings Limited has announced plans to develop online gaming applications through a newly established joint venture with a partner based in the Philippines, signalling a strategic move to diversify beyond its existing land-based casino exposure. According to disclosures, the joint venture will focus on the design, development and operation of online gaming platforms targeting regulated and permissible markets, aligning with broader digitalisation trends across the Asian gaming industry.
The company stated that the Philippines was chosen due to its relatively mature regulatory environment for online gaming, established technical talent pool, and existing infrastructure supporting offshore and domestic gaming activities. Industry observers note that the Philippines, under regulators such as PAGCOR, has increasingly positioned itself as a regional hub for online gaming and technology services, making it an attractive base for digital expansion compared to more tightly restricted jurisdictions.
From a strategic standpoint, analysts see this move as part of a wider effort by smaller and mid-tier Asian gaming operators to reduce reliance on physical casinos, which face higher operating costs, regulatory constraints and capital intensity. By moving into app-based gaming, Century Entertainment may gain access to scalable revenue streams with lower marginal costs, while also tapping into younger, mobile-first customer segments across Southeast Asia and potentially beyond.
Market commentary from other gaming analysts suggests that while competition in the online gaming space remains intense, partnerships and joint ventures can help mitigate development risks and accelerate time-to-market. Comparable initiatives by regional operators have shown that success will depend heavily on compliance, product differentiation and responsible gaming controls, particularly as regulators across Asia continue to scrutinise online gaming more closely.