DigiPlus said to be eying acquisition of land-based casino pending online gaming regs
Summary
Leading Philippines eGames provider DigiPlus Interactive Corp has reportedly been exploring the purchase of a land-based casino to diversify its business amid regulatory uncertainty in the online gaming sector. Reports say talks occurred but have stalled while clarity on the future regulatory framework is sought. The move comes as the Philippines’ eGames market expanded rapidly since the pandemic — including remote access to on-site machines and a shift towards RNG offerings — but recent measures from regulator PAGCOR, such as a ban on out-of-home advertising and restrictions on e-wallet links to gambling sites, could slow that growth.
Key Points
- DigiPlus has been in discussions to acquire an unnamed land-based casino as a diversification strategy.
- Sources say negotiations are on hold pending clearer rules for the online gaming industry.
- The Philippines’ eGames sector recorded record revenues (Php69 billion / ~US$1.2bn) in the first seven months of 2025.
- PAGCOR has introduced measures including a ban on out-of-home advertising for online gambling and limits on e-wallet links, raising uncertainty.
- The sector has evolved from remote access to on-site casino machines to increased RNG-based online offerings.
Why should I read this?
Short version: if you watch Philippine iGaming or casino M&A, this is worth a quick skim. DigiPlus looking at bricks-and-mortar shows operators are hedging bets as regulators tighten the rules — could mean deal activity, consolidation or a shift in how online operators plan growth. We read it so you don’t have to — here’s the gist.
Context and relevance
The story matters because it highlights how regulatory moves by PAGCOR are directly influencing operator strategy. After a pandemic-era boom in online offerings, new restrictions on advertising and payment links create commercial risk for pure-play online operators. A pivot by DigiPlus into land-based assets would be an example of industry adaptation: firms seeking stable revenue streams as policy evolves. For suppliers, investors and competitors, this signals potential M&A interest and a recalibration of growth plans across the Philippines market.
Author’s take
Punchy: This isn’t just a property hunt — it’s a hedge against policy risk. Keep an eye on similar moves from other eGames firms; the next six months of regulatory guidance will likely drive who doubles down on online and who buys hard assets.
