DigiPlus eyes entry into South Africa

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. — the operator of BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone —  is looking to enter another market, as it filed three operator license applications in South Africa, following its launch in Brazil earlier this month.

The company said it applied for a National Manufacturer License, a Bookmaker License, and a Bookmaker Premises License with the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB), as it cited the country as “one of the most promising regulated online gaming markets globally.”

“The filing of our online gaming license in South Africa marks another milestone in DigiPlus’ global growth journey, as we bring our proven track record of innovation, responsible gaming, and player protection together with our strength in localizing games for diverse markets, to one of Africa’s most dynamic economies,” DigiPlus chairman Eusebio Tanco said in a regulatory filing.

DigiPlus launched its GamePlus offering in Brazil, its first international brand, on September 22, as part of its global expansion strategy. The market generated $3.2 billion in gross gaming revenues (GGR) in the first semester.

The company earlier launched a P6-billion share buyback program, which it said demonstrated its confidence in the company’s long-term growth amid proposals in Congress to implement stricter rules on online gambling.

Its subsidiaries include Blue Chip Gaming and Leisure Corp., First Cagayan Leisure and Resort Corp., LR Data Center Solutions Inc., AB Leisure Global Inc., LR Land Developers Inc., Bingo Bonanza (HK) Limited, Prime Investment Korea Inc., and Hotel Enterprises of the Philippines Inc.

Shares in DigiPlus were last trading at P24.80 apiece, up by 20 centavos or 0.81% from Tuesday’s finish of P24.60 per share. —VAL, GMA Integrated News