Travellers International Hotel Group Inc. has officially entered the digital gaming sector with the rollout of its new online casino platform, NWR Play. This move highlights a broader trend among major Philippine casino operators expanding their reach beyond physical venues.
To develop and launch the mobile application, Travellers International—the developer behind Newport World Resorts, controlled by businessman Andrew Tan—teamed up with gaming technology provider PhilWeb Corporation.
The newly launched app is designed to bring the upscale casino experience of Newport World Resorts directly to local players’ smartphones.
Regulated Growth and Advanced Tech Infrastructure
This digital expansion aligns with a surge in the country’s electronic gaming market, which has flourished under the regulatory framework of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Acting as the accredited gaming systems administrator for the project, PhilWeb provides the core digital infrastructure for NWR Play. Its system integrates:
- Cloud-based operations
- Strict regulatory compliance systems
- Dedicated customer support
- AI-powered fraud detection tools
Additionally, the platform will feature popular international gaming content from Pragmatic Play, thanks to an exclusive nationwide distribution deal held by PhilWeb aimed at boosting player engagement.
Leadership Perspectives
PhilWeb President Brian Ng emphasized that the company’s recent technological investments have allowed it to meet the high standards of top-tier hospitality and gaming brands. He noted:
“The commercial launch demonstrates our capability to execute and deploy end-to-end digital infrastructure for the industry’s most recognized luxury integrated resort brands,”
For Travellers International, led by President and CEO Nilo Thaddeus Rodriguez, NWR Play is a cornerstone of its digital transformation. The company’s flagship physical property, Newport World Resorts, is located near Manila’s international airport and features premium hotels like Sheraton and Marriott.
Commenting on the transition, Rodriguez stated:
“This launch marks a key milestone in Newport World Resorts’ digital expansion, bringing our reputable gaming experience to more Filipinos through NWR Play,”
He further added:
“Complementing our land-based operations, NWR Play delivers a broader, secure, and responsible online gaming platform to the market.”
This partnership strengthens PhilWeb’s business-to-business portfolio, which already provides technological services to other prominent integrated resorts in the country, including Okada Manila, Hann Casino Resort, and NUSTAR Resort and Casino.