DigiPlus backs further tightening of gaming regulations

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. is supporting the development of a more comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at raising standards in the Philippines’ fast-growing digital entertainment sector.

In a statement on Wednesday, the digital entertainment platform led by tycoon Eusebio Tanco said it is working with policymakers as part of a technical working group tasked with drafting legislation to strengthen oversight of the industry.

The initiative comes as the Senate and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) pushed for tighter regulation.

DigiPlus said the proposed framework seeks to improve consumer protection and promote greater transparency across the sector.

Key measures being discussed include stricter controls on payment channels and tighter marketing restrictions to ensure a fair, secure and compliant gaming environment.

“As a licensed and leading online gaming operator, we continue to welcome collaboration and active participation in discussions with the Philippine government to achieve our shared goal of raising the standards of the industry,” DigiPlus chair Tanco said.

He added that reinforcing compliance standards would help ensure that only legitimate operators remain in the market, preserving the industry’s contributions such as job generation and tax revenues.

The push for tighter rules comes as DigiPlus continues to recover from regulatory headwinds faced last year, when authorities moved to impose stricter controls on online gaming firms.

DigiPlus president Andy Tsui said the company remains in a “recovery stage” following the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) order last August to delink online gaming platforms from e-wallets, a move that temporarily disrupted user transactions.

“The delinking actually happened in mid-August. We saw a steady recovery over the last six months,” Tsui said. He noted that the firm expects a full rebound by the third or fourth quarter of the year.

To cushion the impact, DigiPlus ramped up engagement with its long-term, high-value users and expanded its payment channels.

Tsui said more than half of users have since migrated to the company’s proprietary platform. The numbers are expected to rise further.

The firm also partnered with payment providers such as Bayad Center, which has about 800 outlets nationwide, to make cash-in options more accessible.

“We’re just providing more options to the player to make it more convenient for them to deposit money. So, there’s no change even after the delinking,” Tsui said.

These efforts helped DigiPlus post a net income of P12.5 billion last year, relatively flat, as a strong first half offset a slower second half.

Revenues, however, grew 12 percent to P84.2 billion from P75.2 billion previously.

DigiPlus is the operator behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone. The company said it will continue to invest in technology and design to strengthen responsible gaming safeguards that prioritize player safety and well-being.

With an established compliance record, the company said it is well-positioned to help lead the industry’s transition toward stricter and more disciplined standards, while continuing to deliver innovative and culturally relevant entertainment experiences.