While facing regulatory challenges in the local market, online gaming firm DigiPlus Interactive Corp. assured investors that “the best years are yet to come” as it announced that it is expanding into South Africa after Brazil.

During the firm’s annual stockholders’ meeting, DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco said this marks the next phase of the company’s international growth strategy.

“We're finally finalizing our license application with the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB), where the majority of the global and local operators are licensed.

“The process is very, very rigorous, involving deep probity checks and tech platform reviews. But that's exactly what we want because that's exactly what we're good at—a market that values credibility and sustainability,” he noted.

Tanco said, “This will mark our third major market after the Philippines and Brazil, and we're approaching it with careful, careful strategy. South Africa is just the beginning. To everyone who has been with DigiPlus from the start, I say this, thank you, the best years is yet to come.”

He pointed out that most firms listed at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) are engaged mainly in the domestic market and DigiPlus will be one of few firms that will venture out of the Philippine market.

DigiPlus said its expansion positions the company to enter Africa’s most mature and rapidly growing online gambling market, where digital sports betting already accounts for nearly half of total gaming revenues.

The company is preparing to file its license applications with WCGRB, the preferred jurisdiction for local and global operators due to its transparent regulatory processes and digital readiness.

DigiPlus said it will be applying for three licenses: a national manufacturer license, bookmaker license, and bookmaker premises license. Key employee licenses will also be secured to support operational leadership.

“We are thrilled to take this next bold step in our international journey. 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,” said Tanco.

The licensing process in South Africa begins with intensive probity checks for both the company and its ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs).

Once completed, applications will be submitted for board review and final platform testing. The processing requires a minimum of six months from the time of filing.

The company is establishing a local legal entity in South Africa, in line with licensing requirements that allow foreign ownership and directorship.

The South African online betting industry, valued at over $1.6 billion in 2023 and 2024, continues to grow and projected by up to five percent annually, driven by rising mobile use, a digitally engaged population, and robust demand for live sports betting.

South Africa’s online gambling sector is widely regarded as Africa’s flagship market, offering a scalable, regulated environment for forward-looking operators.

The introduction of the Remote Gambling Bill further signals the African country’s intent to legalize more online gambling formats, including casinos, paving the way for long-term growth.

DigiPlus’ entry into South Africa follows the company’s recent announcement of its upcoming Brazil launch in September 2025, as part of its global vision to become a major player in digital entertainment across emerging markets (EMs).