DigiPlus eyeing land-based expansion beyond New Coast deal
Andy Tsui, DigiPlus president
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. is scouting for additional land-based expansion opportunities as it moves toward completing its acquisition of the New Coast Hotel Manila integrated resort in 2027.
Andy Tsui, DigiPlus president, said the Philippines’ largest online gaming provider aims to deepen its physical footprint to support an “omnichannel” strategy, merging digital platforms with brick-and-mortar operations to boost user retention.
“Currently, we’re also exploring other projects. We may explore further increasing our positions in the land-based operations,” Tsui said, noting the move intended to diversify a portfolio currently dominated by mobile platforms like BingoPlus.
The strategy involves creating a digital entertainment ecosystem where online users are incentivized to visit physical locations, and vice versa.
Tsui noted that this model has proven successful in other international jurisdictions, allowing operators to capture a larger share of consumer spending by acting as a one-stop shop for gambling and leisure. By offering a full spectrum of digital and physical entertainment, Tsui said the company expects to enhance long-term engagement and increase the average revenue per user.
However, the full integration of this ecosystem depends on the closing of the New Coast Hotel deal. Tsui said any significant expansion or operational overhaul at the Manila property must first clear the Philippine Competition Commission.
With the regulatory review expected to take between six and nine months, the executive does not anticipate the acquisition to be fully finalized until next year.
The financial transition is currently on track. DigiPlus expects to make a final payment of ₱6 billion by the end of May or early June for convertible notes issued by International Entertainment Corp., the Hong Kong-listed owner of New Coast Hotel. This follows an agreement reached last November in which DigiPlus committed to subscribe to ₱12 billion worth of convertible notes. Upon conversion, DigiPlus will hold a stake of nearly 54 percent in International Entertainment Corp.
To facilitate the takeover, Tsui confirmed the company secured a whitewash waiver from Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission.
The waiver is a critical regulatory milestone, as it allows DigiPlus to obtain a controlling interest in the Hong Kong-listed firm without being required to trigger a mandatory general offer for the remaining shares.