Casino Plus Elevates Gaming with Grand Baccarat Finals Featuring Record ₱52M Prize Pool
In a significant move to enhance premium entertainment for its users, Casino Plus is set to host the live Second Baccarat Tournament Grand Finals on January 31, 2026. This exclusive event will take place at the prestigious Newport World Resorts in Manila, Philippines, and is designed specifically for qualified VIP players, reinforcing the platform's commitment to delivering engaging, player-first experiences.
Unprecedented Prize Pool and Competitive Benchmark
This year's tournament boasts a staggering prize pool of up to ₱52 million, with the champion poised to take home an impressive ₱30 million. This top prize marks a substantial increase, being approximately six times higher than the ₱5 million champion prize seen in previous publicly announced baccarat tournaments in the Philippines. Such a figure sets a new benchmark for local baccarat tournament payouts, highlighting Casino Plus's dedication to offering rewarding and thrilling competitions.
Evan Spytma, CEO of Casino Plus, emphasized the company's focus on trust and responsible gaming, stating, "Our priority has always been to craft player-first experiences built around trust, fairness, and responsible gaming. The Second Baccarat Tournament Grand Finals is our way of giving back to the players who are at the heart of Casino Plus. We endeavor to deliver entertainment that is not only thrilling, but thoughtfully designed and rewarding, elevating every touchpoint of the Casino Plus ecosystem."
Bridging Online Excitement with In-Person Luxury
Spytma further explained how this tournament uniquely combines digital engagement with a premium live experience. "What makes this tournament special is how it seamlessly bridges the online excitement our players love with an elevated in-person championship experience. It's a dynamic evolution of our platform, bringing digital energy into real life in a premium, unforgettable way. From luxurious accommodations to exclusive entertainment and multi-million prizes, we designed the Grand Finals to honor our online users with the kind of hospitality and excitement they won't find anywhere else," he shared.
Enhanced Hospitality and Entertainment for Participants
The 2026 edition introduces key upgrades from the inaugural tournament, offering qualified face-to-face participants a curated leisure journey. This includes:
- Complimentary two-night luxurious five-star accommodation
- Lavish and refined dining options
- Round-trip airfare or land transfers
These amenities are designed to help participants reset and prepare for the competitive thrills, setting a tone of exclusivity and pampering.
Star-Studded Finals with Maris Racal
The championship finals will reach its peak with special guest performer Maris Racal, Casino Plus's ambassador, presenting the awards. As a popular actress, singer, and songwriter, Racal will deliver an up-close live performance, adding to the entertainment value. Spectators aged twenty-one and above are invited to witness the crowning moment and immerse themselves in the full championship atmosphere, making it not just a competitive highlight but a memorable entertainment experience.
Tournament Structure and Qualification Process
The Casino Plus Baccarat Tournament officially began online in September 2025, with the following qualification routes:
- Monthly rounds from September to November, where the top five finishers each month earned direct qualification for the Grand Finals.
- A Wild Card route that opened on December 1 and culminated in a final showdown on December 20, with the top 20 performers joining invited VIP entrants to complete the Grand Finals roster.
The on-site Grand Finals at Newport will feature multiple baccarat rounds with fixed hands and time limits, enhanced by elements like secret betting cards to increase competitive intensity. All participants must pass eligibility checks and compete in person, with proxy participation strictly prohibited to ensure fairness and tournament order.
Eligibility and Verification Requirements
The tournament is open to Casino Plus–registered users aged 21 and above, subject to full Know Your Customer (KYC) verification supported by a valid government-issued ID. This underscores the platform's commitment to responsible gaming and regulatory compliance.
