Key Moments:
- DigiPlus Interactive Corp. reported a 59 percent decline in third-quarter net income to Php1.71 billion (US$29 million).
- The industry slowdown followed the mandated separation of gaming platforms from major e-wallets GCash and Maya.
- Nine-month net income climbed 15 percent to Php 10.11 billion, while revenues surged 30 percent to Php 66.83 billion.
Third Quarter Decline Tied to Regulatory Changes
DigiPlus Interactive Corp., an online gaming operator based in the Philippines, recorded a sharp drop in net income for the third quarter of 2025. Net income fell 59 percent to Php1.71 billion (US$29 million), compared with Php3.52 billion for the corresponding period in the previous year. The decrease is mainly attributed to the government’s directive issued in mid-August that required online gambling platforms to disconnect from widely used e-wallet solutions such as GCash and Maya.
The implementation of this policy, including the removal of in-app access points to licensed gaming sites, had a clear negative effect on industry activity throughout August and September. DigiPlus President Andy Tsui acknowledged that the removal disrupted user engagement and transaction flows. The company responded by reaching out to its most valuable customers, seeking to restore engagement and reactivate usage on its platform. Tsui noted a cautiously optimistic outlook for the fourth quarter, expecting that year-end bonuses in the Philippines could stimulate activity and recovery for the business.
Strategic Expansion of Payment Options
To address the limitations imposed on e-wallet transactions, DigiPlus has extended its payment infrastructure by forming collaborations with over-the-counter payment centers such as CIS Bayad Center Inc. These new payment avenues are now available for users of core platforms including BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone. The expansion is intended to increase convenience and sustain user participation, aiming to counteract the slowdown while the company works to rebuild momentum.
Despite these headwinds, DigiPlus saw electronic gaming revenues increase 17 percent to Php41.95 billion, a result of strong player activity early in July before the regulatory restrictions took effect.
Robust Nine-Month Performance and Financial Overview
Across the first nine months of the year, DigiPlus delivered a 15 percent increase in net income, totaling Php 10.11 billion, and a 30 percent rise in revenues to Php 66.83 billion. EBITDA also advanced by 19 percent, reaching Php 11.1 billion, demonstrating DigiPlus’s capacity to withstand short-term challenges and maintain operational resilience.
| Period | Net Income | Revenue | EBITDA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | Php1.71 billion (US$29 million) | Not specified | Not specified |
| Q3 2024 | Php3.52 billion | Not specified | Not specified |
| First 9 months | Php 10.11 billion | Php 66.83 billion | Php 11.1 billion |
Commitment to Responsible Gaming and Innovation
Chairman Eusebio Tanco identified Digital Innovation, Responsible Gaming, and Good Corporate Governance as the main components of DigiPlus’s strategic blueprint. He highlighted the introduction of the nation’s first surety bond program for online gaming participants, designed to provide a financial safety net and enhance player confidence. Tanco also noted that, while the company is optimistic about a boost from holiday-related spending, overall economic factors may moderate fourth-quarter activity. He advocated for joint initiatives between the public and private sectors to foster broader economic support.
Outlook: Focused Growth Amid Policy Changes
DigiPlus is moving forward with initiatives centered on customer re-engagement and the development of its payment ecosystem in its bid for a fourth quarter turnaround. Management is confident that these measures will help restore business momentum following recent regulatory challenges. The company’s experiences underline both DigiPlus’s and the wider industry’s ability to adapt and reinforce sustainability and responsible growth in the evolving Philippine online gaming sector.
- Author
Daniel Williams
