International Entertainment targets online gaming launch in the Philippines

International Entertainment Corporation plans to launch the second phase of its online gaming business in the Philippines in mid-to-late November 2026, subject to final integration, testing and evaluation. The Hong Kong-listed group will operate the service under the LaVie Resort & Casino Manila name through its Philippine subsidiary, New Coast Leisure Inc. (NCLI).

The launch will shift IEC from the cooperation model used in Phase One to a self-operated structure. The company intends to own, develop, control and manage the platform, including its gaming systems, software, technology and equipment. It will also oversee staffing, customer support and regulatory compliance.

Phase Two expands the available gaming formats

The proposed service will cover online table games (OTG), online slot machines (OSM) and electronic gaming systems (EGS). Eligible registered players will be able to access selected casino tables remotely, with live dealers operating from designated areas at LaVie Resort & Casino Manila in Malate, Metro Manila.

The initial table-game selection includes Commission Baccarat, Super 6 Baccarat and Tiger Baccarat. The games are expected to be streamed from areas approved for remote gaming operations. Customers will also be able to access selected physical slot machines at the property through the platform, with outcomes supported by certified random number generator technology.

Electronic gaming systems will form the third part of the planned offer. IEC’s wider digital framework includes electronic casino content and other approved formats. However, the inclusion of a category in the platform’s broader scope does not confirm that every product will be available on launch day. IEC has not announced a complete opening-day game list.

Access will be restricted to the Philippines

IEC says the platform will be limited to eligible registered players physically located in the Philippines. The company has introduced IP-based restrictions, virtual private network (VPN) detection and other safeguards intended to block overseas access or attempts to bypass geographic controls.

These measures will operate alongside account verification and ongoing monitoring. NCLI will be responsible for the local operation under the oversight of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the country’s gaming regulator. The location controls are therefore part of the wider compliance framework for the service.

NCLI has secured key regulatory approvals

IEC has stated that NCLI obtained the material licences, approvals and accreditations required for Phase Two, including an electronic gaming licence and Gaming System Administrator accreditation. The subsidiary has also paid the performance cash deposit required by PAGCOR.

The commercial launch remains subject to final technical work. The platform must complete integration, testing and evaluation before operations can begin. Where applicable, games and related systems are expected to undergo certification by Gaming Laboratories International or another testing laboratory accredited or recognised by PAGCOR.

Because the platform will connect online users with physical casino equipment and live table operations, NCLI’s role will extend beyond making games available. The subsidiary will need to maintain the systems and operating procedures required by its approvals.

Internal control enhancements remain outstanding

IEC has disclosed findings from an independent review of its proposed internal controls. The review identified two medium-risk areas requiring attention: re-screening existing player accounts for anti-money laundering purposes and introducing betting time limits.

The company said the review found no significant deficiencies in the overall design of the proposed control framework. It nevertheless plans to implement the recommended enhancements around November, followed by a further review.

The measures are intended to support ongoing customer screening and player protection as the platform moves towards commercial operation. The Philippines’ Anti-Money Laundering Council provides the national context for anti-money laundering obligations, while PAGCOR oversees the gaming-specific regulatory framework. IEC’s plan to address the review findings forms part of its continuing compliance work and should not be read as a representation that all operational risks have been eliminated.

A more direct operating model for IEC

Phase Two is a further step in connecting IEC’s Manila casino business with online distribution. The self-operated structure gives the group direct responsibility for the platform’s technology and operating arrangements, while bringing management and compliance functions closer to its own business.

That control may give IEC greater influence over product development and customer-facing operations. It also brings responsibility for platform performance, customer information, transaction monitoring and compliance with the terms of the relevant licences and approvals. Those obligations will continue after launch.

The planned combination of streamed table games, remote access to physical slot machines and electronic gaming systems is intended to extend selected parts of the land-based casino offer to online customers. The eventual scale of the service will depend on its final configuration, regulatory conditions and the company’s ability to maintain the systems required for remote play.

Conclusion

IEC’s planned November launch is a notable development in its Philippine online gaming strategy, although the timetable remains a target rather than a confirmed opening date. Through New Coast Leisure Inc., the group intends to take direct responsibility for the platform, technology and operating framework, moving beyond the cooperation model used in its first phase.

The proposed combination of live-dealer tables, remote access to physical slot machines and electronic gaming systems gives LaVie Resort & Casino Manila a broader digital offering. Its launch will depend on final technical testing, effective geographic restrictions and completion of the planned internal control enhancements.

The next stage will be judged not only by whether the platform opens within the announced window, but also by how consistently IEC maintains its regulatory, technical and customer protection responsibilities once operations begin. The company’s latest position is that the service is approaching its final preparation stage, with commercial activity expected in mid-to-late November 2026 if the remaining requirements are completed.

FAQs

When will IEC launch its Phase Two online gaming platform?
International Entertainment Corporation is targeting a launch in mid-to-late November 2026. The date remains subject to final integration, technical testing and evaluation.

What is the name of IEC's online gaming platform?
The planned service will operate under the LaVie Resort & Casino Manila name through the group's Philippine subsidiary, New Coast Leisure Inc.

Which company will operate the new platform?
New Coast Leisure Inc. will manage the Philippine operation. IEC intends to retain ownership and control of the technology, gaming systems and equipment used for Phase Two.

What games will the platform offer?
The planned offering includes online table games, online slot machines and electronic gaming systems. The initial live table selection includes Commission Baccarat, Super 6 Baccarat and Tiger Baccarat.

Can players access physical casino tables remotely?
Yes. Eligible registered players will be able to access selected live-dealer table games remotely. The dealers and tables will operate from designated areas approved for remote gaming.

Will customers be able to play physical slot machines online?
The planned platform will allow players to access selected physical slot machines installed at the LaVie property through remote gaming technology.

Is the platform available outside the Philippines?
No. IEC has stated that access will be restricted to eligible registered players physically located within the Philippines. The company has introduced IP restrictions and VPN detection measures to support this requirement.

Has New Coast Leisure secured the necessary licences?
IEC has stated that NCLI obtained the material licences, approvals and accreditations required for Phase Two, including an electronic gaming licence and Gaming System Administrator accreditation.

What issues did the independent internal control review identify?
The review identified two medium-risk areas involving the re-screening of existing player accounts for anti-money laundering purposes and the implementation of betting time limits. IEC expects to address the recommendations around November.

Is the Phase Two platform already operational?
The platform remains under final integration, testing and evaluation. IEC has announced a target launch window but has not confirmed an exact commercial opening date.