Integrated resort developer Hann Holdings Inc. signaled readiness to enter the Philippine online gaming market, but emphasized that full deployment will follow only after regulatory and ethical concerns are addressed.
Founder and CEO Dae Sik Han said the company is taking a measured approach to online gaming, noting that the business must be built on clear legislation and responsible practices. “This business has to be properly regulated,” Han said, citing potential social risks, particularly among vulnerable sectors. He added that government efforts to impose stricter controls could reshape the entire digital gaming framework.
Hann currently holds an online gaming license, distinct from the purely digital licenses dominating the market. The company has already rolled out Hann Live Online, a unified omni-platform offering over 100 RNG games as of Q1 2025. Plans are in place to scale that to 500 games by year-end, blending on-site resort gaming with remote access for a new generation of players seeking convenience and digital interaction.
Han underscored the potential of the PIGO model (Philippine Inland Gaming Operators) as a regulated alternative to offshore platforms, calling it a more responsible and commercially viable direction for local operators. “Whether it’s PIGO or online, it’s about accessibility. The key is offering a secure and enhanced gaming experience,” he said.
Despite postponing a full-scale launch in the current regulatory environment, Hann has partnered with a European tech firm and is fully equipped to activate operations once conditions stabilize. “We’re ready — we’re just waiting for the right time,” Han noted, projecting that entry this year may not be feasible.
Meanwhile, Hann Holdings confirmed its ₱13 billion IPO is on track for September, with the offer period scheduled from 9 to 15 September and listing on the PSE main board on 23 September. The offering includes 500 million primary shares at up to ₱23.60 apiece, with an over allotment of 50 million shares. Net proceeds of up to ₱11.43 billionwill fund expansion and development projects under its subsidiary Hann Philippines Inc.
Han expressed openness to cornerstone investors, depending on proposals from issue manager CLSA, saying, “We’re looking at options that can add long-term value.”
Through its dual strategy of luxury resort development and forward-looking online integration, Hann aims to redefine the Philippine gaming landscape while aligning with evolving regulatory, ethical, and consumer trends.
