Hong Kong-listed casino investor Landing International Development Ltd. has secured the much-needed approval of a local council for the development of its “integrated leisure and entertainment resort” in the Philippine state capital.

In a regulatory filing, Landing announced the Paranaque City Council has granted their request “to develop and operate an integrated resort” in Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (PAGCOR) Entertainment City.

Securing the city council’s approval, however, was just the beginning of a very long and tedious process of getting a provisional license from PAGCOR.

Casino operators wanting to put up an integrated resort in the Philippines would have to first secure a provisional license from the state regulator before it can be granted with a Notice to Commence Casino Operations, and then, eventually, a regular casino gaming license.