DigiPlus Converts P12 Billion Investment Into 53.9% Stake in International Entertainment Corp.

Why It Matters

By combining brick‑and‑mortar casino assets with DigiPlus’s digital expertise, IEC can capture a growing segment of online gamblers, potentially boosting revenues and diversifying its entertainment portfolio.

Key Takeaways

• DigiPlus invests ~P12 bn (~$216 m) to control IEC.
• IEC’s NCLI partners with TGXI to launch online casino games.
• Two‑year non‑exclusive agreement includes revenue sharing based on contributions.
• NCLI already holds Pagcor online‑gaming licenses and compliance approvals.
• Move targets fast‑growing Philippine online‑gaming market.

Pulse Analysis

The Philippine online‑gaming sector has surged in the past two years, driven by regulatory reforms that liberalized digital betting and by a mobile‑first consumer base. Pagcor’s recent amendments lowered barriers for licensed operators, while internet penetration now exceeds 80%, creating a fertile environment for new entrants. Analysts estimate the market could exceed $1 billion in annual gross gaming revenue by 2027, outpacing traditional casino growth and attracting both local and foreign capital.

DigiPlus’s strategic push into this space is anchored by its P12 billion (~$216 million) investment in International Entertainment Corp., which secures a 53.89% controlling stake. By partnering New Coast Leisure Inc. with its wholly‑owned Total Gamezone Xtreme, DigiPlus sidesteps the time‑intensive task of building a proprietary platform. NCLI brings Pagcor‑approved licenses—including Electronic Games Operator and Gaming System Administrator—ensuring regulatory compliance from day one. The two‑year, non‑exclusive deal outlines revenue sharing tied to each party’s contribution, aligning incentives while allowing flexibility for future renewals.

For investors, the collaboration signals a hybrid growth model that blends physical casino revenue with scalable digital earnings. Competitors that rely solely on brick‑and‑mortar assets may find themselves at a disadvantage as consumer preferences shift online. The partnership also positions IEC to tap into cross‑selling opportunities, such as loyalty programs that bridge on‑site and virtual experiences. If the online segment captures even a modest share of the projected market, the combined entity could see double‑digit revenue growth, reinforcing DigiPlus’s broader vision of an integrated entertainment ecosystem.

Deal Summary

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. completed the conversion of its roughly P12 billion convertible note investment into shares of Hong Kong-listed International Entertainment Corp. (IEC), giving DigiPlus a 53.89% controlling stake. The conversion finalizes DigiPlus's investment in IEC, which operates New Coast Leisure Inc. and its casino complex. The deal enables IEC to launch online gaming through a partnership between its subsidiary New Coast Leisure and DigiPlus's unit Total Gamezone Xtreme.