DigiPlus sets sights on New Zealand market

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. is looking to expand its international footprint further, with its board approving the filing of an expression of interest to seek a gaming license in New Zealand.

The digital entertainment platform led by tycoon Eusebio Tanco has already established a presence in Brazil after securing a federal gaming license there earlier this year. It has also expanded into South Africa, where it obtained three licenses from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board.

The New Zealand initiative comes as the country rolls out its first licensing framework for online casinos, opening opportunities for foreign operators seeking to participate in the newly regulated market.

The latest announcement came alongside DigiPlus’ second-quarter earnings release, which showed the company continued to post steady operating growth.

Net income surged 124 percent to P6.98 billion. Operating income rose 8 percent to P2.35 billion, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization increased 7 percent to P2.84 billion.

“Looking ahead, DigiPlus is evolving beyond a traditional online gaming operator into a gaming-as-a-service ecosystem powered by proprietary content, data-driven personalization and continuous product innovation. This evolution strengthens our ability to deliver higher-quality earnings, deepen customer lifetime value and create long-term value for our shareholders,” said DigiPlus president Ping Chen.

The expansion also comes at a time when the Philippine gaming industry is facing a more challenging operating environment.

According to S&P Global Ratings, the country’s gross gaming revenue is expected to decline by 7 percent this year, reversing last year’s 6-percent growth, as tighter regulations, softer consumer spending and restrictions on e-wallet access weigh on the online gambling segment.

S&P grouped the Philippines with Australia and New Zealand as “headwind markets,” citing regulatory tightening and weaker consumer demand.

However, the S&P also noted that the Philippines and New Zealand stand out in the Asia-Pacific region because both have been actively shaping policies governing online casino games, poker and sports betting, unlike many neighboring jurisdictions that continue to maintain tighter restrictions on these activities.