DigiPlus Wins Key Online Gaming Licenses for South Africa Expansion

DigiPlus Interactive Corp, a Philippines-listed and licensed online gaming operator, has secured online gaming licenses from South Africa’s Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board. The approval opens the door for the company to enter what it describes as the continent’s largest online gaming market.

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In a filing to the Philippine Stock Exchange, DigiPlus noted that South Africa generated $4.9 billion in gaming revenue in 2025. The move positions the firm to tap into that space after formally applying for licenses back in late September.

License Details Secured

The Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board granted DigiPlus three specific approvals. Those include a national manufacturer license, a bookmaker license, and a bookmaker premises license.

The board oversees operations in the Western Cape province, where Cape Town serves as the capital. DigiPlus highlighted this area as South Africa’s top online gaming market, responsible for about 31% of national online gaming revenues last year.

The company pointed to the province’s clear regulatory setup and strong digital infrastructure as reasons it stands out for global players. That environment makes it a smart fit for operators looking to build out new markets.

Path to Market Entry

DigiPlus first submitted its license applications to the board several months ago. The green light now clears the way for operations in a region primed for online growth.

South Africa marks the company’s second international venture. It follows the firm’s push into Brazil last year, where activities have faced some adjustments.

In Brazil, DigiPlus put on hold its gaming platform in mid-October after its launch. The company intends to restart its full commercial activity there in the first half of 2026.

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Philippine Operations Base

Back home, DigiPlus runs several key platforms. BingoPlus operates as the country’s first government-approved online bingo site. The firm also manages ArenaPlus for sports betting and GameZone for casual and arcade-style games. A separate unit handles casino slot arcades across the Philippines. These offerings form the backbone of DigiPlus’s experience as it eyes overseas growth. The mix of bingo, sports, and casual play gives it a broad toolkit to adapt elsewhere.

Recent Financial Snapshot

The fourth quarter saw DigiPlus’ net income slide by 36%, from the corresponding period in 2011. This was at PHP2.5 billion ($41.9 million). Its total revenue was recorded at PHP17.3 billion, a decline of 27% from last year’s fourth quarter. The company declared a $64 million dividend for 2025 despite the dip.

Broader Expansion Moves

On top of the South Africa licenses, DigiPlus is in the midst of a major acquisition. It seeks to buy HKD1.60 billion, or $204.1 million, worth of convertible notes from Hong Kong-listed International Entertainment Corp. That deal would hand DigiPlus control of the New Coast Hotel Manila. The property in the Philippine capital is under redevelopment into an integrated resort.

The licensing win in South Africa adds another layer to these efforts. It shows how the operator keeps pushing boundaries even as it sorts domestic and other international priorities.

Western Cape Appeal

DigiPlus emphasized why the Western Cape makes sense as a starting point. It leads in terms of investment in online gambling and provides an ideal environment for new entrants due to its transparency. Digital tools and market readiness further sweeten the deal for expansion.

As DigiPlus lines up its next steps, the licenses put it ahead of the curve in a high-potential market. The company now has the green light to tailor its platforms for local players.

Global Footprint Grows

With Brazil ramping back up and South Africa now in play, DigiPlus builds out its overseas presence. Each market brings fresh challenges, but the licenses mark solid progress. The firm’s filing underscores confidence in the Western Cape’s setup. It expects the region’s share of national revenues to keep drawing operators like itself.

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Source: GGR Asia