DigiPlus Interactive Corp has voiced support for stronger regulation in the Philippines’ online gaming sector, signaling confidence that stricter oversight will help shape a more stable and compliant market rather than limit growth.

Regulatory Discussions Point to Stricter Controls

Company executives confirmed their involvement in a Senate technical working group tasked with drafting new legislation for the country’s iGaming industry. Discussions are focused on introducing tighter controls around payment channels and marketing practices, with the broader objective of improving transparency and consumer safeguards.

“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,” Chairman Eusebio Tanco said in a statement.

The proposed framework comes as regulators and policymakers continue to refine oversight of digital gaming. Recent measures have already included restrictions such as removing direct links to gaming platforms from e-wallet providers and banning certain forms of advertising.

DigiPlus indicated that current discussions are aligned with these efforts, aiming to strengthen compliance requirements while ensuring that only operators meeting high standards remain active in the market.

“By reinforcing a market where only those who adhere to the highest standards of compliance operate, we ensure that the benefits of our industry – from job creation to essential tax revenues – are preserved for the Filipino people.”

Company president Andy Tsui described regulatory change as a central issue for 2026 but suggested that industry concerns about a potential ban appear unfounded.

“We’re quite comfortable that there will be no big surprise, meaning that there will be no total ban, it’s just stricter regulation for the market,” Tsui said. “These are all positive to establish a long-term, sustainable industry.”

He reiterated the company’s role in shaping the new framework, noting that DigiPlus is directly involved in ongoing consultations.

“We are part of it [the working group], and we are participating in that discussion,” Tsui noted.

Business Performance and Market Adjustments

The company reported strong financial results for 2025, recording PHP12.6 billion in net income and PHP84.2 billion in total revenue. Gross gaming revenue increased by approximately 12 percent year-on-year, although executives acknowledged that performance was affected by disruptions linked to the removal of platform access from a major mobile wallet.

The change took effect in August, leading to a decline in activity in the second half of the year. Gross gaming revenue dropped by around 25 percent between the second and third quarters, followed by an additional decline of 10 to 15 percent in the fourth quarter.

DigiPlus has since focused on retaining high-value users and transitioning them to its own platform, with more than half of its user base already migrated. Management expects a fuller recovery by late 2026.

To support this effort, the company introduced additional payment options through physical channels, including kiosks and bill payment outlets, while expanding customer support and promotional programs. It also launched features such as player balance insurance.

Expansion Plans and Product Development

Beyond regulatory engagement, DigiPlus is exploring broader growth opportunities. The company confirmed a PHP12 billion investment in convertible notes issued by International Entertainment Corp., which operates New Coast Hotel Manila and Casino Filipino New Coast. If converted, the investment would give DigiPlus a majority stake, subject to regulatory approval.

The move reflects a longer-term strategy to combine online and land-based operations. Executives said they are also evaluating additional integrated resort opportunities while continuing to expand digital offerings.

DigiPlus currently offers more than 2,000 games, including localized live-streaming content developed in-house. Around 15 percent of revenue comes from proprietary titles, a figure the company expects to grow.

Artificial intelligence is also being applied across multiple areas, including promotions, personalization, and responsible gaming. According to Tsui, these tools allow the company to tailor user experiences while identifying potential risk behavior and triggering intervention measures.

The operator is also preparing for international expansion, with a license secured in Brazil and an application under review in South Africa.

While global opportunities are under consideration, executives emphasized that the Philippines remains the company’s primary focus, Asia Gaming Brief reports. They described the country as one of the most structured online gaming markets in Asia, with regulatory developments expected to further define its long-term trajectory.