Content Writer: Janice Chew • Monday, 25/07/2025 - 15:52:44 - PM
DigiPlus Interactive Corp., the Philippine‑listed gaming firm behind platforms such as BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, GameZone, and SpinPlus, has unveiled plans to file for three key gaming licences in South Africa, marking what it calls the next phase of its international expansion strategy. According to a July 25, 2025 press release, the company aims to secure a National Manufacturer License, a Bookmaker License, and a Bookmaker Premises License through the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB). It also intends to obtain key employee licences to govern operations locally.
Chairman Eusebio Tanco commented that “South Africa is not just the largest online gaming market in Africa; it’s a gateway to the continent’s digital future.” He emphasized the company’s commitment to responsible innovation and cultural relevance, situating South Africa as a strategic bridge between their Southeast Asia beginnings and the new horizon of Latin America and Africa.
The move comes amid mounting uncertainty in the Philippines, where policymakers are actively debating a total ban on online gambling. That regulatory speculation has shaken investor confidence, contributing to a sharp decline in DigiPlus’s share price—by as much as 79% from its peak according to a Maybank analysis. In response, DigiPlus has publicly argued against a ban, suggesting that banning licensed operators could drive gamers towards illegal providers. The company has called for dialogue based on facts and regulatory outcomes, not perceptions or guilt by association.
This international ambition follows DigiPlus’s earlier announcement that it will launch operations in Brazil in September 2025, in line with its multi‑regional growth design. Africa’s leading regulated gambling market—valued at around $1.6 billion across 2023–24—is projected to grow at around 5% annually, with digital sports betting already composing nearly half of total gaming revenues.
To meet licensing terms, DigiPlus is setting up a fully compliant South African legal entity. The WCGRB’s process will include rigorous suitability checks on both the firm and its ultimate beneficial owners, before moving to board review and platform testing. The full licensing timetable is expected to take at least six months from the moment applications are filed.
Beyond expansion, DigiPlus has strengthened its internal governance. In mid‑July 2025, the company updated its responsible gaming framework, first launched in 2024, and urged regulators to foster a progressive, outcome‑based approach to policy rather than sweeping bans.