DigiPlus Interactive Corp. announced Friday it will expand into South Africa‘s online gambling market, preparing to file license applications with the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board as the Philippines-based gaming company accelerates its global expansion strategy.
The move comes as DigiPlus faces significant challenges in its home market, with the Philippines currently discussing a total ban on online gambling operations. According to a recent Maybank report, “leading e-games company DigiPlus Interactive Corp. faced a steep drop in share price, falling by as much as 79 percent from its peak” amid regulatory uncertainty.
DigiPlus disclosed in a press release to the Philippines Stock Exchange that it will apply for three licenses in South Africa: a National Manufacturer License, Bookmaker License, and Bookmaker Premises License. The company will also secure key employee licenses to support operational leadership in the region.
“We are thrilled to take this next bold step in our international journey,” said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco. “South Africa is not just the largest online gaming market in Africa, it’s a gateway to the continent’s digital future.”
The Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board represents the preferred jurisdiction for both local and international operators due to its “transparent regulatory processes and digital readiness,” according to the company’s announcement. The licensing process requires intensive probity checks for both the company and its ultimate beneficial owners, followed by board review and final platform testing.
South Africa’s online betting industry was valued at over R28.97 billion ($1.6 billion) in 2023 and 2024, with projections showing annual growth of up to 5 percent. Digital sports betting already accounts for nearly half of total gaming revenues in the country, driven by rising mobile usage and robust demand for live sports betting.
The licensing process requires a minimum of 6 months from filing, during which DigiPlus will establish a local legal entity in compliance with South African requirements that permit foreign ownership and directorship.
This expansion marks DigiPlus’s 3rd international market entry, following its recent announcement of a Brazil launch scheduled for September 2025. The company positions South Africa as a strategic gateway to Africa’s digital entertainment market, describing it as the continent’s “flagship market,” offering a scalable and regulated environment.
The timing of DigiPlus’s international expansion coincides with increasing regulatory pressure in the Philippines, where gaming companies face potential restrictions that have already impacted share prices across the sector. South Africa’s introduction of the Remote Gambling Bill signals the country’s commitment to legalizing additional online gambling formats, including casinos, potentially providing long-term growth opportunities for international operators.
