The Philippines’ regulatory clampdown is weighing on the country’s online gambling sector, as DigiPlus Interactive Corp.—the Philippines’ largest online gaming platform and operator of BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone—reported a 59 percent decline in third-quarter net income to PHP1.71 billion ($29.1 million).
The sharp quarterly drop comes despite a 16 percent increase in profit for the first nine months of 2025, when consolidated net income reached PHP10.11 billion ($172.5 million). DigiPlus said the slowdown reflected regulatory headwinds and operational disruptions following the central bank’s directive to cut e-wallet links to gambling platforms.
Third-quarter revenue contracted 23 percent year-on-year to PHP19.05 billion ($325 million), while EBITDA fell 55 percent to PHP2 billion ($34.1 million). The company attributed the declines to ‘temporary disruptions in player activity and transaction volumes’, after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) ordered e-wallet providers in August to delink in-app access to licensed gaming sites.
The BSP’s move formed part of broader efforts to mitigate financial risks associated with online gambling. Preliminary data from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) indicated a 50 percent decline in online gaming transactions between August 17th and 19th, though the long-term impact remains uncertain.
The moderation in DigiPlus’ performance followed a period of rapid expansion—its net income surged 61 percent in the first half of 2025 and 207 percent in 2024.
Despite the quarterly setback, DigiPlus emphasized that its overall nine-month results remained solid, driven by product innovation and operational efficiencies. Total revenue rose 30 percent year-on-year to PHP66.83 billion ($1.14 billion), while EBITDA increased 19 percent to PHP11.13 billion ($189.9 million).
During the same period, DigiPlus paid PHP25.59 billion ($437 million) in government taxes and regulatory fees, up 9 percent from PHP23.4 billion ($400 million) in 2024. On a quarterly basis, the company paid PHP7.17 billion ($122.5 million), a 26 percent decline due to the e-wallet delinking directive.
Chairman Eusebio Tanco said the company remains focused on sustainable growth. “This period demonstrates DigiPlus’ resilience amid temporary setbacks,” he said. “We continue to focus on digital innovation, player protection, and good governance as we expand responsibly into new markets.”
Strategic responses
In response to the tighter regulatory environment, DigiPlus introduced several measures to strengthen compliance, enhance player protection, and diversify payment options. It launched the Philippines’ first surety bond program for online players in partnership with Philippine First Insurance Co. Inc., offering financial protection of up to PHP1 million ($17,000) per verified player wallet.
The company also expanded its payment network through a partnership with CIS Bayad Center Inc., enabling over-the-counter transactions nationwide. These initiatives complement DigiPlus’ 24/7 customer service operations and more than 130 BingoPlus retail outlets.
