DigiPlus Interactive Corp., known for its popular platforms BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, reported a significant decline in its net income for the third quarter of 2025, dropping 59 percent to PHP1.71 billion (US$29.1 million). This downturn overshadowed the company’s impressive performance during the first nine months of the year, where net income increased by 16 percent year-on-year to PHP10.11 billion (US$172.5 million).
The notable decline in the third quarter follows a regulatory move by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in August 2025, which mandated e-wallet providers to sever links offering in-app access to licensed gambling platforms. The central bank’s directive aimed at mitigating financial risks associated with online gambling resulted in “temporary disruptions” in player activity and transaction volumes for DigiPlus.
This regulatory intervention led to a 23 percent year-on-year decrease in combined revenue to PHP19.05 billion (US$325 million), and a 55 percent drop in EBITDA to PHP2 billion (US$34.1 million). The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) reported that transactions in online gaming plummeted by nearly 50 percent between August 17 and 19, highlighting the immediate impact of the delinking directive.
Despite these setbacks, DigiPlus pointed to the robustness of its operations, emphasizing a 30 percent increase in total revenue to PHP66.83 billion (US$1.14 billion) during the first nine months, accompanied by a 19 percent rise in EBITDA to PHP11.13 billion (US$189.9 million). This growth was attributed to production innovation and operational efficiencies realized earlier in the year.
In terms of fiscal contributions, DigiPlus paid PHP25.59 billion (US$437 million) in government taxes and regulatory fees during the first nine months, marking a 9 percent increase from 2024. However, the third quarter saw a 26 percent drop in tax payments to PHP7.17 billion (US$122.5 million), reflective of the decreased transactional activity due to regulatory constraints.
Adapting to the evolving regulatory environment, DigiPlus rolled out strategic initiatives to enhance compliance and diversify payment methods. The introduction of the Philippines’ first surety bond program for online players, in collaboration with Philippine First Insurance Co. Inc., offers financial protection coverage up to PHP1 million (US$17,000) to verified player wallets. Additionally, their partnership with CIS Bayad Center Inc. expanded payment networks, allowing over-the-counter transactions nationwide. These innovations are part of DigiPlus’s ongoing efforts to ensure responsible growth amid regulatory challenges.
The leadership at DigiPlus emphasized their commitment to digital innovation, enhancing player protection measures, and maintaining sound corporate governance while exploring responsible market expansions. This aligns with broader industry adjustments in the Philippine online gaming sector, where increased regulatory scrutiny aims to balance industry growth with consumer financial safety.
A second perspective considers the resilience of DigiPlus in face of these regulatory challenges. By aligning with tighter regulations and expanding payment accessibility, the company positions itself as a proactive leader in the industry. These moves are seen as steps towards building trust with regulators and customers alike, ensuring a durable presence in a market that presents both opportunities and stringent oversight.
The Philippine gaming landscape is indeed facing a period of significant transformation, with DigiPlus at the forefront, adapting and realigning its strategies to navigate the changing tides. The adjustments made by DigiPlus not only reflect a response to immediate challenges but also set a robust foundation for long-term sustainability and growth in the evolving regulatory landscape.
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