The Philippine government is eyeing to dispose its casinos in the fourth quarter as it bids adieu to its commercial functions.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that the government targets to bid out the casinos’ licenses as well as facilities before the end of the year.

Philippine Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez was quoted saying at the sidelines of the Asian Development Bank’s 50th annual meeting that the government could no longer compete with private-led casinos when he announced that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) will stick to its regulatory mandate.

“If our casinos were to replace a glass that’s broken, I think it will take ages as compared to what Okada and Solaire can do. It’s better [for the government] to move out of [casino operations],” Dominguez said. “And secondly, of course, it will remove the conflict of interest when you are the regulator as well.”