ISIL has claimed responsibility for the casino attack in Manila on Friday, Reuters has reported, citing the terror group's Amaq news agency.

The death toll has risen to 38 and dozens more have been wounded, according to ABS-CBN news agency.

Four people from Taiwan were among the 36 victims who died after a gunman burst into a Manila casino on Friday, firing shots and setting gaming tables alight in a botched robbery attempt.

The four included two tourists and two staff members of the casino. 

The deaths resulted from smoke inhalation and suffocation. Panicked staff and customers caused a stampede as they tried to escape the building, reported the local broadcaster citing sources from the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Photos of the suspect at the Resorts World Manila attack. /Philippine National Police Photo

Police released CCTV screenshots on Friday purportedly showing the gunman lurking in a stairwell.

"He's probably a foreigner," police chief Oscar Albayalde told reporters. 

Earlier, police said the gunman killed himself after firing at officers who were searching the complex.

Witnesses reported gunshots, explosions and smoke coming from the complex, which also includes a mall and a hotel near Manila’s international airport. The complex and Ninoy Aquino International Airport were both placed on lockdown following the incident.

54 people were injured according to the Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa.