South Africa-based Digiplus's stock prices increase due to pending licence applications
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. to Enter South Africa's Regulated Gambling Market
DigiPlus Interactive Corp., a Philippines-based electronic gaming platform provider, is taking a significant step in its international growth strategy by planning to enter South Africa's regulated gambling market.
The company, which operates the sportsbook ArenaPlus, bingo platform BingoPlus, and casual and arcade games under SpinPlus and GameZone brands, is preparing to apply for a National Manufacturer License, Bookmaker License, and Bookmaker Premises License from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB).
This move marks the latest phase in DigiPlus Interactive Corp.'s expansion strategy, which now includes Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa. The company is set to launch in Brazil in September, and South Africa, identified as the largest online gaming market in Africa, is seen as a strategic entry point into the continent.
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. views South Africa as a gateway to the continent's digital future. The company is planning to establish a local legal entity in South Africa, complying with licensing requirements that allow foreign ownership and directorship.
Eusebio Tanco, DigiPlus chairman, stated that the company remains committed to responsible innovation, local compliance, and developing products that connect deeply with culture and community.
The licensing process for DigiPlus Interactive Corp.'s entry into South Africa's regulated gambling market is expected to take at least six months. While the filings are planned imminently, no definitive timeline for approval or market entry has been provided. The specific details on the timeline or local entity establishment have not been explicitly disclosed as of July 2025.
Background context: DigiPlus Interactive Corp., known formerly as Leisure & Resorts World Corporation (renamed in February 2023), is a gaming operator with diversified gaming products across online and land-based platforms. Expanding into South Africa is a strategic move following their recent market launch in Brazil, signaling a broader international growth strategy.
On Monday in Manila, shares in DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (PSE: PLUS) soared by 18.89 per cent, closing at ₱32.10 per share. The surge in shares indicates investor excitement about the company's international expansion plans.
As DigiPlus Interactive Corp. moves forward with its plans to enter South Africa, it is expected that more details about the local entity establishment and licensing timeline will be revealed. The company's commitment to responsible innovation and local compliance is a promising sign for its potential success in South Africa's regulated gambling market.
- As DigiPlus Interactive Corp. plans to apply for gambling licenses in South Africa, they may explore new investment opportunities in the country's regulated casino-and-gambling sector, leveraging their existing portfolio of sportsbook, bingo, and casual games.
- Upon securing the necessary licenses in South Africa, DigiPlus Interactive Corp.'s entry into the African market could potentially diversify their business operations, expanding beyond finance and technology into a new realm of entertainment, specifically regulated gambling.
