DigiPlus Interactive Corp. has introduced a new campaign through its ArenaPlus sportsbook platform, centered on a large-scale prediction challenge tied to professional basketball playoffs. The initiative, which launched on March 21, features a ₱1 billion prize pool and is structured to increase both user acquisition and ongoing participation within the Philippine online sports betting market.

The campaign is built around a bracket-style format that mirrors tournament structures commonly used in the United States. Participants are invited to predict outcomes across multiple stages of a playoff series, following the progression from early rounds through to the final match.

According to the company, the initiative is designed as a free-to-play experience, allowing users to participate without placing any bets. This approach is intended to lower entry barriers while maintaining sustained engagement throughout the tournament cycle.

ArenaPlus Head Erick Su explained the concept behind the rollout: “We want to bring some excitement for the Filipino basketball fans, especially since we know that the NBA is the most popular sport here. The bracket game is actually very common in the US. It’s been running there constantly for years, but the Philippines has never had that experience. We want to bring that here.”

Bracket format targets long-term engagement

The structure of the campaign allows users to make predictions at each stage of the playoffs, creating an ongoing interaction rather than a one-time event. By covering the entire tournament, the format is designed to keep participants involved over an extended period.

Su emphasized the continuity built into the system, stating: “I think the excitement will be from beginning to the end. Because the bracket game covers the whole stage of the Playoffs, fans can expand their predictions and go along with the whole process and expect that they can win.”

The bracket model itself is widely used in single-elimination tournaments, where participants predict winners across a structured progression of matches. ArenaPlus has adapted this format for local users, marking its first implementation of such a system in the Philippine market.

The campaign also aligns with DigiPlus’ broader efforts to strengthen its position in the digital sportsbook sector by introducing interactive formats that extend beyond traditional betting activity.

By removing the need for financial commitment, the campaign is positioned to attract a broader audience. DigiPlus described the initiative as a “free-to-play” experience, designed to combine entertainment with accessibility.

Su highlighted this aspect, saying: “So that’s going to bring a lot of excitement. And this is completely free and very safe as we want to entertain Filipinos.”

The company has framed the campaign as part of a wider strategy to build user engagement through sports-focused digital experiences. It also represents what DigiPlus described as a “major step-up” in its approach to both acquiring new users and retaining existing ones.

As reported by The Manila Times, ArenaPlus Marketing Head Hannah Bagui noted that the platform continues to prioritize user experience. She said the company aims to make sports “more fulfilling, more immersive, and more rewarding for every Filipino.”

Compliance and player safeguards integrated

Alongside the promotional aspect, DigiPlus has incorporated compliance measures into the campaign’s structure. Participation requires verification through electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) processes, which form part of the platform’s broader regulatory framework.

The company stated that it “intends to maintain strict platform integrity” through these systems. In addition, ArenaPlus includes several responsible gaming tools designed to give users control over their activity.

These features allow users to set limits on daily gaming duration, customize schedules, and define loss thresholds. According to DigiPlus, these controls are intended to ensure that participation remains within a “secure, transparent, and compliant environment.”

The rollout comes as the Philippine online gaming sector continues to evolve, with increasing attention on consumer protection and regulatory oversight. DigiPlus has previously indicated its involvement in initiatives aimed at strengthening industry standards and transparency.