First Cagayan Leisure and Resort Corporation

Business Model

First Cagayan operates under Republic Act No. 7922 (Cagayan Special Economic Zone Act) and is mandated to manage, establish, and lease tourism-related facilities including casinos, internet games, amusement centers, and sports venues. It acts exclusively as a licensing body and infrastructure provider, not as a gaming operator. All operators within the zone undergo strict probity checks to ensure legitimacy. The company generates revenue from licensing fees, lease agreements, and service charges.

Jurisdiction and Facilities

The Cagayan Special Economic Zone is the only gaming jurisdiction in the Philippines outside the authority of PAGCOR. First Cagayan’s integrated resort on the northern coast of Luzon offers a casino, beach resorts, and a golf course. The zone is designed to attract foreign investors with tax incentives and a business-friendly environment, supporting the Philippine government’s push for sustainable tourism and economic development in the Cagayan Valley region.

Key Products and Platforms

- CEZA Interactive Gaming License: The first regulated online gaming license in Asia, governing all interactive gaming operators within the zone. - First Cagayan Integrated Resort: A multifaceted tourism development with casinos, hotels, beaches, a golf course, and family recreation facilities. - Gaming Infrastructure & Software: Provision of technical platforms and regulatory compliance tools for licensed operators. - Operator Probity Screening: Comprehensive due diligence and background checks for all licensees.

Financial and Operational Highlights

Exact headcount is not publicly available, but the company is a medium‑sized enterprise. Estimated annual revenue is around $5.5 million, according to RocketReach. First Cagayan is a subsidiary of LRWC, which partnered with Belle Corporation to invest $1 billion in the Belle Grande Marina Bay project at Entertainment City Manila.

Licensing and Recognition

First Cagayan holds SEC Registration No. A200005770. It is recognized as a pioneer in regulated Asian online gaming and has maintained a transparent, trust‑based relationship with international operators. The company does not operate games directly but licenses operators and ensures probity.

Recent Developments

In 2024–2025, CEZA and First Cagayan continue to promote the zone for investment. The company supports the Philippine government’s push for sustainable tourism and economic development in the Cagayan Valley region. The integrated resort also includes non-gaming amenities such as beaches, golf courses, and family recreation, positioning it as a hub for tourism and investment in the Asia-Pacific region.