DigiPlus eyes South Africa expansion amid uncertainty in Philippines
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. announced that it is expanding into South Africa, marking a major milestone in its international roadmap, which now spans Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa. The expansion comes as regulatory scrutiny intensifies in the Philippines, where the company is headquartered and remains a key player.
Following its upcoming launch in Brazil in September 2025, the company said the entry into South Africa highlights DigiPlus’ push into regulated emerging markets. South Africa is Africa’s most developed online gaming market, where digital sports betting accounts for nearly half of the total gaming revenue. The local online betting sector was valued at over R28.97 billion ($1.6 billion) in 2023 and 2024, with annual growth projected at five percent, driven by mobile adoption and strong demand for live sports betting.
“We are thrilled to take this next bold step in our international journey,” Eusebio Tanco, DigiPlus Chairman, said. “South Africa is not just the largest online gaming market in Africa, it’s a gateway to the continent’s digital future. As we expand from Southeast Asia to Latin America and now Africa, we remain committed to responsible innovation, local compliance, and developing products that connect deeply with culture and community.”
Local licence application
DigiPlus said it is preparing to file licensing applications with the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB), a preferred jurisdiction due to its transparent regulatory structure and readiness for digital operations. The company will seek a National Manufacturer Licence, Bookmaker Licence, and Bookmaker Premises Licence, in addition to acquiring key employee permits to support its local operations.
Licensing in South Africa involves strict probity checks for the company and its ultimate beneficial owners. Once cleared, applications are reviewed by the WCGRB and subject to platform testing. The licensing process typically takes at least six months to complete.
The company stated that it is also establishing a local legal entity in South Africa, in line with jurisdictional requirements that permit foreign ownership and management.
According to the company, South Africa’s regulatory climate has become increasingly favourable, especially with the introduction of the Remote Gambling Bill, which proposes the legalisation of online 바카라 operations — an area not currently permitted under existing law. This signals long-term prospects for operators seeking regulated expansion on the continent.
Philippine context: Regulation over prohibition
DigiPlus’ global expansion coincides with rising calls within the Philippines to ban online gambling. In response, the company has broken its silence, calling for a smarter, tighter regulatory approach instead of prohibition.
“We are not the problem. We are part of the solution,” Tanco said during a press briefing. He argued that banning online gambling would only push consumers towards unregulated and riskier platforms. “Online gaming is here to stay, whether we allow it or not. The real question is whether the Filipino public will be protected by law, or left to fend for themselves on the black market,” he added.
The company cited studies from Regulus Partners, Arden Consult, and the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR), which suggest that restricting legal access to online gaming leads to increased use of illegal sites. IAGR data shows that 177 out of 195 countries globally regulate online gaming.
DigiPlus also pointed out that it had already implemented many of the reforms being discussed in the Philippine Congress — including Know-Your-Customer (KYC) protocols, age verification, self-exclusion mechanisms, and responsible gaming tools — across its platforms since November 2024.
Inter-agency approach needed
“Regulation is not a system you build overnight. It’s a journey. We’ve already seen progress: PAGCOR has tightened accreditation, improved ad guidelines, and launched responsible gaming initiatives. Those efforts should be strengthened, not scrapped,” Tanco said.
DigiPlus also proposed an inter-agency approach to Regulation, suggesting that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) be involved to tackle financial, technological, and criminal aspects of the sector.
