Evolution Gaming has planted a strategic flag in the Asia-Pacific region, unveiling its first live-casino studio in Cebu, the Philippines. The move—executed in partnership with One Visaya Gaming Corp. and fully regulated by PAGCOR—ushers the global market leader into the only jurisdiction in Asia that currently licenses online-casino operations. The 7,500-square-meter facility debuts with multiple baccarat tables and will roll out flagship game shows such as Lightning Roulette, Marble Race, and Super Color Game throughout 2025. Management views the launch as a springboard for deeper regional expansion once additional Asian markets embrace regulated iGaming.

Why Cebu—and Why Now?

Regulatory gateway The Philippines remains Asia’s sole fully licensed online-casino market, giving Evolution an immediate legal platform for live-dealer content. Logistics advantage Cebu offers skilled English-speaking talent, robust telecom infrastructure, and proximity to emerging Southeast-Asian iGaming hubs. Timing With regional demand for live casino surging—baccarat alone accounts for more than 60 percent of Asian table-game GGR—Evolution is securing first-mover status ahead of potential regulatory liberalization in neighboring countries.

Partnership With One Visaya Gaming Corp.

Local expertise OVG supplies on-the-ground operational know-how, workforce recruitment, and compliance support, accelerating studio launch timelines. PAGCOR alignment The joint venture ensures that every table, camera angle, and game mechanic satisfies the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s rigorous standards. Distribution channel Through OVG, Evolution content will flow directly to PAGCOR-licensed operators, guaranteeing immediate market penetration.

Initial Game Line-Up and Roadmap

• Baccarat cluster—Classic, No-Commission, and Lightning variants live at day one.
• Lightning Roulette—Signature RNG-boosted wheel slated for Q1 2025.
• Marble Race & Super Color Game—Localized game-show formats arriving mid-2025.

Evolution plans to scale to more than 150 tables within 18 months, supported by modular studio bays that can pivot between VIP setups and mass-market streams.

Economic and Employment Impact

Workforce Phase-one hiring tops 1,000 dealers, engineers, and production staff, with total headcount projected to exceed 2,500 when fully ramped. Capital infusion Construction, technology, and training investments approach US $25 million, channeled largely into Cebu’s local economy.

Competitive Landscape in Asia

Incumbent gap While regional operators stream out of Macau and Cambodia, few offer content under a mature online-casino license. Evolution’s Cebu hub fills that void. Barrier to entry Proprietary camera systems, multi-currency payment rails, and Emmy-award-winning production quality create high imitation costs for would-be rivals.

Strategic Outlook

Near-term focus Optimize Cebu output, deepen PAGCOR relationships, and fine-tune localized game shows. Mid-term objective Leverage the Philippine success story when Japan, Thailand, or Vietnam advance their own iGaming bills. Long-term vision Forge a pan-Asian live-casino network stitched together by cross-studio progressive jackpots and region-specific entertainment formats.

Investor Takeaways

• Evolution secures first-mover advantage in the only regulated online-casino territory in Asia.
• Partnership with OVG mitigates compliance risk and accelerates go-to-market speed.
• Scalable studio design supports rapid content diversification and volume growth.
• Cebu launch serves as a regional reference point, positioning Evolution to capitalize on future regulatory openings across Asia.