DigiPlus eyes expansion of physical footprint
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. is exploring opportunities to expand into land-based operations as it pushes to build a more integrated entertainment ecosystem, according to its top executive.
In an interview, the digital entertainment platform led by tycoon Eusebio Tanco said it was studying ways to strengthen its presence beyond the digital space while completing its investment in International Entertainment Corp. (IEC).
“We will invest a total of P12 billion to purchase the convertible notes from IEC—the owner and operator of New Coast Hotel and Lobby Casinos,” DigiPlus president Andy Tsui said.
He noted that the transaction was progressing as planned, with DigiPlus having already paid half of the P12-billion commitment.
“We made the first payment of that P6 billion in early March. And then the final payment will be made before the end of May or early June,” Tsui said.
Beyond the acquisition, the company is looking at expanding its footprint in physical gaming assets while enhancing its digital offerings.
“We may explore to further increase our positions in the land-based operations. This aligns with our business strategies to become a digital entertainment ecosystem and also build the only channel for our players,” Tsui said.
He said DigiPlus aims to bridge its online platform with physical entertainment venues to deepen user engagement.
“Meaning, that besides what we offer in the online space, we also want to convert them and offer more land-based entertainment. Going through this process, we can increase the overspending for our users as well as the retention for our users. This will enhance our user engagement in the long term,” Tsui added.
He said this approach was informed by global trends blending digital and brick-and-mortar gaming models.
“Part of it is we see a lot of good examples from other jurisdictions. Whether it’s a land-based adding the online or the online adding the land-based. Eventually, we see a benefit of providing them an only channel ecosystem. So we want to be a one-stop shop for them,” Tsui said.
“So instead of just focusing on the online and people or players may also choose to offer land-based for their entertainment. So we want to provide them a full ecosystem of digital as well as physical [forms] of entertainment,” he added.
However, Tsui said full integration of the New Coast asset would depend on regulatory clearance.
