Online gaming firm DigiPlus Interactive Corporation is pursuing plans to expand into traditional land-based gaming operations as it seeks new growth opportunities despite economic headwinds and a decline in earnings during the first quarter of the year.
Speaking during a media briefing following the company’s Annual Stockholders’ Meeting, DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco expressed optimism that business performance would improve in the second half of 2026 after a challenging start to the year.
According to Tanco, the company is evaluating several expansion opportunities, including potential investments in physical gaming and casino operations.
“We’re exploring it, we’re looking at the opportunities, but we reserve the right to change our mind if the situation changed,” Tanco said.
DigiPlus recently entered into a convertible notes agreement with Hong Kong-based International Entertainment Corporation, the owner of New Coast Hotel Manila and its casino operations.
The company has also been linked to reports suggesting interest in Manila Diamond Hotel as part of its broader strategy to diversify into related segments of the gaming and entertainment industry. Company officials said they continue to assess opportunities that complement their existing business portfolio.
Newly elected DigiPlus President Ping Chen said the company’s long-term strategy involves integrating digital and physical entertainment offerings.
“Our vision is really to be integrated digital and non-digital entertainment ecosystem. As you noticed we move offline and going to traditional casino industry… Gaming trend of merging between offline and online operations,” Chen said.
While pursuing expansion into brick-and-mortar gaming, DigiPlus is also investing in the growth of its online platforms, which include BingoPlus, GameZone, and ArenaPlus.
Company executives highlighted sports betting as one of the most promising segments, particularly through ArenaPlus, which recently became the first betting platform in the country to secure an official partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA).
“The sports betting market in the Philippines is still in a very young stage… We see the potential of the market can grow probably about 3 to 5 times next 5 years,” said ArenaPlus head Erick Su.
DigiPlus said it remains committed to promoting responsible gaming practices as it expands its operations.
Tanco also encouraged other licensed online gaming operators to consider becoming publicly listed companies, arguing that greater transparency and stricter corporate governance standards would help create a more level playing field while providing stronger safeguards for investors and consumers.
“Dapat listed sana mga licensed operators where you have you can level the playing field. Kasi kami listed, you know who we are, who is behind the company… We follow good corporate governance. We’re very very transparent, (Licensed operators should ideally be listed so you can level the playing field. Because we are listed, you know who we are, who is behind the company… We follow good corporate governance. We’re very, very transparent,)” he said.
The company reported a net income of ₱2.8 billion during the first quarter of 2026, representing a 33-percent decline from the same period last year.
DigiPlus attributed the decrease to the removal of in-app e-wallet access to licensed online gaming platforms and softer consumer spending amid rising fuel prices.
Despite the weaker results, the company is pushing ahead with its international expansion plans.
DigiPlus is scheduled to relaunch its operations in Brazil in June and is targeting entry into the South African market in 2027.