Content Writer: Janice Chew • Monday, 25/09/2025 - 20:34:12 - PM
DigiPlus, one of the Philippines’ biggest online gaming firms, has reportedly paused plans to acquire a physical casino, after identifying a potential location and entering into negotiation phases. Sources say that the deal came under pressure due to rising legislative and regulatory uncertainty—particularly amid recent proposals to ban or harshly regulate the online gambling sector.
Despite those headwinds, DigiPlus has shown strong financial performance. In the first half of 2025, it posted a 61% rise in profit year-on-year, with net income of PHP 8.4 billion (around US$147 million). The company is also involved with broader industry self-regulation efforts: in August it joined the Interim Council of the PlaySafe Alliance of the Philippines, which seeks to improve transparency, security, and regulation in online gaming.
The stall in acquiring a brick-and-mortar casino reflects deeper tension in the Philippines’ gaming industry: balancing the growth and revenue potential of online gambling with concerns about social impacts, legal oversight, and revenue leakage. Regulatory bodies such as PAGCOR are under pressure to both enforce against illicit operations and define clearer frameworks for legal entities. If the regulatory climate shifts in a way favorable to established operators (rather than outright bans or prohibitive taxation), DigiPlus and others may find renewed incentive to revisit physical-casino plans. On the other hand, if restrictions tighten, many might remain cautious or even retrench.