Macau-based casino operator Galaxy Entertainment group is making a mad dash to Japan, hoping to be the first company to get a casino license in the country after getting the nod in the Philippines’ island tourist draw Boracay.

GEG Vice Chairman Francis Lui announced that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has finally issued a provisional gaming license to the group on Wednesday, giving the green light to the construction of an integrated resort in the popular holiday island destination.

“We are very excited about the prospect of investing up to US$500 million into a proposed premium quality, low rise, eco-friendly resort development located in Boracay,” Lui said in a statement.

GEG plans to start the construction of its first integrated resort in the Philippines by 2019. Lui expects the project to be completed in three years’ time.