Eusebio Tanco, the head of DigiPlus Interactive Corp., has commented in a recent interview that his company is ready to adapt and innovate in the face of the potential challenges facing the online gaming industry in the Philippines.
In an interview with The Philippine Star, Tanco acknowledged that while DigiPlus has flourished on its popular platforms, including BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, which boast over 40 million registered users, the company is exploring alternative entertainment options. “Yes, but maybe not as robust,” he remarked about the impact of a potential ban on online gaming.
Despite the uncertainty, Tanco remains optimistic. “We’re creating a whole ecosystem of entertainment, not just gaming,” he explained, highlighting plans to diversify offerings beyond traditional online gaming.
The ArenaPlus app, for example, provides access to live sports, while BingoPlus features a variety of local and international short dramas.
In addition to expanding its entertainment portfolio, DigiPlus aims to broaden its international reach, with upcoming launches in Brazil and South Africa. Tanco expressed hope that an outright ban on online gaming will not be enacted, advocating instead for “strong and fair regulation” to ensure a sustainable industry.
He stressed the importance of proper oversight, stating, “By working with regulators and lawmakers, we can protect consumers and maintain the integrity of the market.” Tanco believes that regulation should focus on safeguarding players and ensuring accountability among operators rather than imposing blanket bans.
The Philippines’ Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued a prohibition on online gambling for its officials and employees, signaling a broader shift toward shared responsibility in addressing problem gambling within government ranks, according to gaming law expert Tonet Quiogue.
PH Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Jonvic Remulla
Effective August 11th, the memorandum circular, signed by DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, bans all personnel under the department, its attached agencies, and local government units (LGUs) from engaging in any form of online betting, with violators facing criminal and administrative sanctions.
Citing the 1987 Constitution, Remulla stressed that public servants must remain accountable to the people, as gambling poses a threat to the integrity of public service. The directive covers the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, National Youth Commission, Philippine Commission on Women, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, Philippine Public Safety College, and National Police Commission. This wide scope underscores the urgency of maintaining ethical standards across key government institutions.
Marie Antonette “Tonet” Quiogue
Quiogue, CEO and founder of Arden Consult, argues that tackling problem gambling among public officials requires a coordinated approach beyond the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). ‘While the PAGCOR serves as the country’s gambling regulator, it cannot and should not be the sole agency tasked with addressing the issue,’ Quiogue wrote in Arden Consult’s most recent analysis. ‘Combating problem gambling, particularly among public officials and employees, requires a coordinated effort across multiple government bodies, each with its own mandate to safeguard integrity, accountability, and public trust.’
The directive also highlights the unfair blame placed on PAGCOR and licensed operators for public officials’ misconduct on gambling sites. ‘It is also unfair — as reflected in various news reports — that the licensed gaming industry, and by extension PAGCOR itself, is being blamed for the misconduct of government officers and policemen who spend their time on online gambling sites,’ Quiogue noted. Licensed operators, bound by strict compliance standards, use Know-Your-Customer (KYC) protocols to flag and prevent government officials from betting. In contrast, illegal platforms operate without such controls, enabling anonymous gambling that can lead to fraud and corruption.
‘Importantly, these restrictions should apply to all online betting platforms — including, and most especially, illegal online gambling sites,’ Quiogue emphasized. ‘Illegal operators, on the other hand, operate with no such controls, allowing anyone — including public servants — to gamble freely and anonymously.’ PAGCOR’s mandate focuses on regulating licensed operators, not policing individual public servants, leaving an enforcement gap that illegal sites exploit. ‘PAGCOR’s focus is on ensuring operators comply with licensing and operational standards, not on investigating or disciplining individual civil servants,’ Quiogue added.
The DILG memo calls for agencies to implement internal compliance rules and robust monitoring to address this gap. This aligns with Section 4(c) of the Norms of Conduct of Public Officials and Employees, which states: ‘Public officials and employees shall remain true to the people at all times. They must act with justness and sincerity and shall not discriminate against anyone, especially the poor and the underprivileged. They shall at all times respect the rights of others, and shall refrain from doing acts contrary to law, good morals, good customs, public policy, public order, public safety, and public interest.’
CIBAC party-list Rep. Eddie Villanueva commended the directive, stating, “It sends a strong message that public servants must uphold the highest standards of integrity and moral responsibility.” Advocating for stricter measures, he added, “What is needed is a total ban on online gambling, not mere regulation or heavy taxation. The social cost of gambling addiction far outweighs whatever revenue it generates for the state.” Villanueva’s House Bill 637 seeks to prohibit online gambling nationwide.
Enforcement remains critical, with the memo urging agencies to crack down on illegal sites and institutionalize compliance practices. Quiogue stressed that ‘enforcing gambling restrictions is therefore both an ethical imperative and a governance necessity. It is not merely about regulating gaming; it is about safeguarding the integrity of public institutions.’ As agencies adapt, the focus will be on leveraging technology for detection and imposing penalties to maintain public trust.
Philippine casino operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp. on Wednesday reported a 52 percent drop in first-half net income, dragged by continued weakness in VIP and premium mass gaming at its flagship Solaire Resort Entertainment City.
Net profit for the six months to June fell 52 percent to PHP1.9 billion ($33 million) from PHP4.0 billion ($69 million) a year earlier, the company said in a statement.
Second-quarter results swung to a net loss of PHP1.4 billion ($24 million) from a PHP1.3 billion ($22 million) profit in the same period last year, as consolidated EBITDA slid 30 percent to PHP2.5 billion ($43 million).
Gross gaming revenue in the April-June period slipped 1 percent year-on-year to PHP14.3 billion ($246 million), hit by softer volumes in high-end segments at Solaire Entertainment City.
Its new Solaire Resort North in Quezon City generated PHP4.5 billion ($78 million) in GGR, almost 297 percent higher than its partial operating period a year ago.
In the financial announcement, Chairman Enrique Razon said the company faced ‘a challenging second quarter’ but noted steady growth in Solaire North’s mass gaming and non-gaming businesses.
‘Solaire North saw further growth as mass gaming volumes and non-gaming revenue increased over the previous quarter. The gains in our second property contributed to the performance of our Metro Manila mass gaming and non-gaming revenue, which rose 18 percent and 37 percent year-over-year, respectively’, Razon noted.
Mass-market table and slot machine revenue across the two Metro Manila properties rose 18 percent in the quarter, while non-gaming revenue jumped 35 percent to PHP3.2 billion ($55 million).
For the first half, consolidated gross gaming revenue rose 6 percent to PHP31.1 billion ($536 million) from PHP29.2 billion ($504 million) a year earlier. Net revenue climbed 9 percent to PHP27.0 billion ($465 million), while EBITDA fell 19 percent to PHP6.9 billion ($119 million).
Bloomberry also cited higher costs, including PHP461 million ($8 million) in expenses for its new “MegaFUNalo!” online platform, launched in June.
In South Korea, Solaire Korea’s Jeju Sun posted gross gaming revenue of PHP2.5 million ($43,000), down from PHP35.7 million ($614,000) a year earlier, as net revenue fell 20 percent to PHP 128.3 million ($2.21 million).
Non-gaming revenue edged up 1 percent to PHP126.2 million ($2.17 million). The property recorded LBITDA of PHP 41.4 million ($0.71 million), narrowing from PHP89.4 million ($1.54 million) a year ago.
In the Philippines, Solaire Entertainment City’s total GGR fell 27 percent to PHP9.8 billion ($169 million) on weaker volumes and lower win rates in VIP and slots, while Solaire North continued to ramp up with quarterly EBITDA of PHP1.1 billion ($19 million) and net revenue of PHP4.3 billion ($74 million).
Hotel occupancy in the quarter was 72.6 percent at Solaire Entertainment City and 61.8 percent at Solaire North.
Macau gaming operator Galaxy Entertainment Group has strengthened its position in Macau’s gaming market, achieving a 20.2 percent market share in 2Q25, according to analysts from Seaport and JP Morgan.
This growth comes amid Macau’s ongoing recovery in the post-COVID gaming market.
The company’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) of HK$11.97 billion ($1.53 billion) rose 16.4 percent year-over-year, reaching 82 percent of 2Q19 levels, with mass market gaming exceeding 2019 figures by more than 30 percent.
The market share gain of 70 basis points quarter-over-quarter and 140 basis points year-over-year represents Galaxy’s best performance since 2Q19, excluding COVID-impacted years, indicates Seaport senior analyst Vitaly Umansky.
Galaxy’s improved performance was driven by several key factors, including increased player reinvestment programs, enhanced entertainment offerings, and the soft opening of its Capella luxury resort. Player reinvestment increased approximately 130 basis points quarter-over-quarter as a percentage of mass table games GGR, continuing a trend of four consecutive quarters of increases.
The company’s EBITDA reached HK$3.6 billion ($461 million), representing an 8.3 percent year-over-year increase and 12.4 percent quarter-over-quarter growth, achieving 82 percent of 2Q19 levels.
The EBITDA margin jumped to 29.6 percent, benefiting from high VIP hold rates of 4.3 percent and effective cost controls, with operational expenses rising only approximately two percent sequentially.
Market positioning and competitive advantages
This financial strength underpins Galaxy’s ability to invest in competitive offerings that solidify its market position. Galaxy’s competitive strength stems from its entertainment and event offerings at Galaxy Macau, particularly through its Galaxy Macau Arena, which hosts large music performances that drive significant business in Macau. The property benefits from its scale, service quality, and diverse product offerings, though it now faces increased competition from the renovated Venetian Arena for large-scale events.
The recent soft opening of the Capella luxury resort, featuring 94 villas and suites along with premium amenities and gaming facilities, has enhanced Galaxy Macau’s positioning in the ultra-luxury segment. Seaport analysts expect this addition to ‘drive further growth in late 2025 and 2026, ahead of Phase 4’s opening in 2027, which will further boost market share.’
Third-quarter performance has shown continued momentum, with analysts estimating Galaxy sustained its strong market position in July, benefiting from its entertainment programming. The company has implemented refocused marketing efforts and deployed smart digital tables, positioning it well to maintain market share in the mid-to-high 19 percent range or potentially above 20 percent consistently.
Dividend payout jumps to 58.4% in surprise move
Bolstered by its strong financial position, Galaxy also surprised investors with a significant dividend increase. In a separate investment memo, JP Morgan analysts highlighted that Galaxy ‘declared an interim dividend of HK$0.7, implying a 58.4 percent payout for 1H25.’ This exceeded expectations, as analysts had anticipated the company would maintain its previously indicated 50 percent payout ratio. The increased dividend payout represents ‘a meaningful surprise to us (versus estimated 50 percent payout) given its historically conservative stance on capital returns,’ according to JP Morgan.
The dividend enhancement follows Galaxy’s previous announcement of a HK$0.50 ($0.06) final dividend paid on June 30th, after distributing HK$0.80 ($0.10) in total dividends during 2024. The interim dividend is payable in October, with JP Morgan projecting potential dividend yields of 3.5 percent or higher for 2025 and 4.5 percent for 2026 based on approximately 60 percent payout ratios.
Regarding the general financial position, JP Morgan notes that Galaxy maintains a robust financial position with net cash exceeding HK$30 billion ($3.8 billion) at the end of 2Q25, providing substantial resources for continued investment in Macau operations and potential dividend increases. The company’s cash position alone exceeds the remaining capital expenditure requirements for Phase 4 development, which is scheduled to open in 2027.
Wynn Macau said it has priced a $1 billion offering of senior notes due 2034, carrying an interest rate of 6.75 percent, as the casino operator moves to refinance debt and bolster its balance sheet.
The notes, priced at par, will be issued on August 19th and pay interest semi-annually on Feburary 15th and August 15th, the company said in a Hong Kong stock exchange filing late Tuesday.
Net proceeds are expected to be about $989 million, earmarked for general corporate purposes, including repayment of borrowings under its WM Cayman II revolving credit facility and other outstanding notes.
The offering was arranged by Deutsche Bank AG’s Singapore branch as representative of the initial purchasers, with BofA Securities, Scotia Capital and SMBC Nikko among joint global coordinators.
Other banks including Banco Nacional Ultramarino, Bank of China Macau and BNP Paribas acted as joint bookrunners. The debt will be listed in Hong Kong for trading by professional investors only.
The unsecured notes will rank side by side with Wynn Macau’s existing senior debt and include change-of-control and special put provisions, giving holders the right to demand repurchase at a premium under certain conditions, including loss of Macau gaming licences or major changes in ownership.
The operator recently announced a $500 million senior unsecured notes offering due 2034, with proceeds designated for general corporate purposes, including debt repayment and funding expansion projects totaling up to $750 million through the end of 2026.
Wynn Macau cautioned that completion of the purchase agreement remains subject to conditions and could be terminated if specific events occur, urging investors to exercise caution when dealing in its securities.
Thailand’s Constitutional Court announced Wednesday that it will deliver its verdict on August 29th at 3pm local time in a high-stakes case seeking the dismissal of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over her handling of diplomatic tensions with Cambodia.
The 38-year-old prime minister, who has been suspended from her duties since last month, faces accusations of unprofessional conduct and breaching ministerial ethics during a border dispute with Cambodia that escalated into the bloodiest military clashes between the two nations in decades.
A group of 36 conservative senators filed the petition against Paetongtarn, focusing on a leaked phone conversation with Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen. In the recording, she addressed Hun Sen as “uncle” and referred to a Thai military commander as her “opponent” – remarks that generated significant political backlash.
Conservative lawmakers accuse the prime minister of kowtowing to Cambodia and undermining the military establishment. They allege she violated constitutional provisions requiring “evident integrity” and “ethical standards” among government ministers.
Paetongtarn, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has defended her actions, maintaining she acted in Thailand’s national interests. She took office less than a year ago after her predecessor was removed by the same Constitutional Court.
If the court rules against her, Paetongtarn would become the third member of the Shinawatra family to be ousted early as premier, following her father and aunt Yingluck, who were both removed in military coups.
The case represents the latest chapter in Thailand’s two-decade political struggle between the conservative, pro-military, pro-royalist elite and the Shinawatra clan, whom they view as a threat to the kingdom’s traditional social order.
Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit currently serves as caretaker prime minister during the proceedings.
The decision poses a critical challenge for Thailand’s gaming sector, as Paetongtarn and the ruling Pheu Thai Party had been driving forces behind legislative efforts to legalize and regulate the industry.
Amid the political uncertainty and strong voices against casino legalization, the Thai government officially withdrew the Entertainment Complex Bill, which included provisions for legalizing casinos, on July 9th, 2025. This bill aimed to establish integrated resorts with casinos, hoping to boost tourism and spending. However, the bill faced significant negative public and political reaction, leading to its withdrawal.
Good Morning. Entertainment is my middle name. In the case of Macau operator Galaxy, that is more than true, as displayed by the positive impact that high-profile concerts have had on both its gaming and non-gaming segments. The group posted a 14 percent increase in EBITDA for 1H25, evidencing how its long-term investment strategy is paying off. Also in Macau, Wynn is hoping to edge into the events space, planning hundreds of millions in capex for a new venue that it’s hoping to support with a new bond issuance topping $500 million.
Winning Trust, Stopping Fraud. Asia Pacific’s iGaming market is expanding extremely fast, and a new wave of digital-savvy players is pushing demand through the roof. But the rise in adoption has outpaced regulation in many markets, and fraudsters have taken notice.
Habanero, the premium slots and table games provider, dives deep into the wild heart of Africa with its latest release, Safari Rumble, a high-energy slot brimming with roaring wins and animal-packed action.
Set across a 5×4 grid, Safari Rumble offers up to 32,768 ways to win, where every spin can erupt into a stampede of rewards. With up to 30 free spins available, players can chase wins as high as 28,800x the bet.
Standout features include symbol splitting, which doubles winning combinations, and the Rumble Feature, where a random symbol locks in place while re-spins add more of the same symbol with each spin. When the round ends, those symbols split for even bigger wins, creating the chance for explosive payouts.
Equipped with a Buy Feature option and integration with Habanero’s Jackpot Race, Safari Rumble delivers gameplay designed to captivate a broad audience. Building on the success of recent titles Mummy Hunter and Daruma Impact, the release further strengthens Habanero’s reputation for creating visually striking, feature-rich slots that immerse players in exciting worlds.
Toni Karapetrov, Head of Corporate Communications at Habanero, said: “Safari Rumble captures the raw power and unpredictability of the African wilderness, blending our signature high-quality visuals with innovative features that keep players engaged.
“With its large maximum win potential and animal-inspired energy, we are confident it will become a popular title in our portfolio.”
Wynn Macau has announced a $500 million senior unsecured notes offering due 2034, with proceeds designated for general corporate purposes, including debt repayment and funding expansion projects totaling up to $750 million through the end of 2026.
The Macau casino operator disclosed the bond offering in a filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on August 11th, stating that net proceeds will be used ‘for general corporate purposes, including repaying outstanding indebtedness, such as amounts under the WM Cayman II Revolver and/or one or more series of existing notes.’
The bond issue aligns with Wynn Macau’s ambitious expansion strategy for its two Macau properties. In 2025, the company plans to invest between $200 million and $250 million in projects, including expanding the exclusive Chairman’s Club gaming area and refreshing Wynn Tower hotel rooms at Wynn Macau. These initiatives aim to “further elevate our offerings at both properties,” said Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings.
A major project, the Wynn Palace Event and Entertainment Center on the north edge of Wynn Palace, is also in development, with a tentative opening planned for early 2028, pending government approval. Engineering and design work is well underway as Wynn seeks to capitalize on the success of high-profile concerts hosted by competitors in Macau.
However, credit analysts at CreditSights have raised concerns about Wynn Macau’s current performance. In an August 11th report, the firm noted, ‘Wynn Macau posted lackluster second-quarter 2025 results, with leverage metrics significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels and a loss of market share since the COVID reopening.’
CreditSights estimates the fair value of the new bond issue at a yield of approximately 6.88 percent, suggesting the notes will likely price between 6.75 percent and 7 percent. The firm maintains a “Market Perform” recommendation on Wynn Macau bonds.
Wynn Macau’s leverage metrics worsened in the second quarter of 2025, with gross leverage reaching 5.5 times and net leverage at 4.1 times as of June 30th, compared to pre-pandemic levels of 3.6 times gross and 2.9 times net at year-end 2019. Market share also declined to about 11.9 percent in the second quarter of 2025, down from 12.6 percent a year earlier.
Despite these challenges, rating agencies highlight Wynn Macau’s solid liquidity, with approximately $1.5 billion in unrestricted cash and $1.35 billion in available revolving credit facilities. This financial flexibility supports the company’s planned investments and debt refinancing activities.
The Philippines is considering a new general tax amnesty program and tougher rules on online gambling, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said Monday.
Speaking at the 2025 EJAP Economic Forum in Manila, Recto said the proposed amnesty would differ from a 2019 version vetoed by then-president Rodrigo Duterte, and aims to be passed within the year pending presidential or cabinet approval.
The government is also studying higher fees for online gaming operators and stricter regulations, including banning public officials from gambling online and prohibiting state-owned firms from investing in the sector.
Recto said raising the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (PAGCOR) current 30 percent charge to 35 or 40 percent was under discussion and would not require new legislation.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to convene a “semi-summit” to address online gambling concerns, Recto added.
The finance chief also confirmed an inquiry into the Government Service Insurance System’s PHP1 billion ($17.5 million) investment in DigiPlus Interactive Corp.
The Philippine Senate is set to mull proposals to ban or further regulate online gambling, with a hearing slated for August 14th.
The hearing will be headed by Erwin Tulfo, the Chair of the Senate’s Committee on Games and Amusement – an outspoken proponent of a blanket ban on online gambling in the Philippines.
The Senate committee will examine a range of draft laws and amendments that propose various regulatory or banning measures for the sector.
