DigiPlus eyes land-based expansion while backing stricter online gaming controls
By Frank Schuengel — 25 March 2026
Summary
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. has publicly supported tighter regulation for the Philippines’ online gaming market, saying stronger controls on payments and marketing will help create a more sustainable industry rather than kill it. Company executives are working with a Senate technical working group and do not expect a total ban on licensed online gaming.
The group reported solid 2025 results (PHP12.6 billion net income; PHP84.2 billion revenue) despite a major disruption last August when its products were de-linked from a major mobile wallet. DigiPlus has been migrating high-value users to its proprietary platform and expects a fuller recovery by Q3–Q4 2026.
Strategically, DigiPlus is progressing with a PHP12 billion convertible-note investment in International Entertainment Corp (IEC), which could give it ~54% of IEC if converted — signalling a push into land-based and omni-channel assets. The company is also expanding its in-house game portfolio, using AI for personalisation and responsible gaming, and preparing international launches (Brazil and South Africa).
Key Points
- DigiPlus supports stricter regulation (payment-channel controls, marketing limits) and is participating in Senate working groups.
- The company does not expect a full ban on licensed online gaming; it views tighter rules as positive for long-term sustainability.
- 2025 results: PHP12.6bn net income and PHP84.2bn total revenue; GGR grew ~12% YoY despite disruptions.
- Major disruption: de-linking from a major mobile wallet in mid-August 2025; recovery underway with >50% of users migrated to DigiPlus’ own platform.
- Operational responses include enhanced retention campaigns, new deposit channels (Pay&Go, Bayad Center), faster service, and player balance insurance up to PHP1m.
- Strategic land-based move: PHP12bn in convertible notes for IEC (first PHP6bn paid); conversion would need competition approval and is likely delayed into next year.
- Product and tech: >2,000 games, ~15% revenue from self-developed titles, and AI used across promotions, personalisation and responsible-gaming monitoring.
- International plans: licence held in Brazil (pre-launch localisation) and application in South Africa (approval expected Q2 2026).
- PAGCOR policy changes (minimum guarantee fee of PHP90m or 30% of GGR) and a crackdown on illegal operators could speed market consolidation, benefiting well-capitalised licensed players.
Context and Relevance
This story is relevant to operators, investors and regulators tracking Asia’s regulated iGaming markets. DigiPlus combines near-term defensive measures (customer migration, new payment routes) with growth bets (land-based assets and proprietary content). The company’s supportive stance on tighter regulation signals an industry pivot: licensed operators are ready to accept stricter rules if they raise barriers to illegal competitors and encourage consolidation.
Why should I read this?
Quick heads-up: if you follow APAC iGaming, this packs the essentials — results, regulatory stance, disruption recovery and a big bet on land-based expansion. We’ve skimmed the detail so you don’t have to — but there are real implications here for market structure and M&A.
Author style
Punchy: the article cuts straight to the strategic shifts — DigiPlus is repairing momentum, backing tougher rules, and placing a sizeable bet on land-based assets. If you care about regulatory change, operator resilience or consolidation in the Philippines, read the full piece.