DigiPlus Halts New Zealand Expansion Amid Domestic and Global Challenges

The Southeast Asian gaming landscape is witnessing a significant strategic shift. DigiPlus Interactive Corp., a dominant force in the Philippine market, has confirmed its withdrawal from New Zealand's online casino licensing race. The decision was announced just before the commencement of the final auction rounds. In a formal regulatory filing with the Philippine Stock Exchange, the company stated that its choice was based on a thorough analysis of market values and current economic conditions.

This move comes as a surprise to many, given that New Zealand represents a substantial growth opportunity. It is estimated that New Zealanders currently deposit over NZ$1 billion annually in the offshore grey market. To address this, the government is issuing 15 licenses, aiming to transition players to a regulated environment. However, the barrier to entry is high. Eleven companies qualified for the final auction phase, where each license carried a price tag of NZ$15 million (approximately £6.34 million).

Numbers and facts

The competition for a foothold in the Pacific remains intense among global operators. Heavyweights such as Entain, Super Group, SkyCity, and Stake are moving forward with their applications. These firms are vying for a share of a market projected to generate NZ$500 million in taxable revenue once fully operational. For DigiPlus, however, the financial commitment and associated risks outweighed the potential benefits at this stage.

DigiPlus is currently navigating a complex financial environment. In the second quarter of 2026, the company reported a 9% quarter-on-quarter decline in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) to P15.6 billion. Despite a rise in monthly active users to 5.75 million, macroeconomic factors have dampened overall profitability. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving the US and Iran, have had a ripple effect on the Philippine economy and consumer spending habits.

“Revenue from eGames, eBingo and bingo grantees fell 41.85% year-on-year to P18.6bn in the first half of the year amid dampened consumer spending.” - Alejandro Tengco, Chair and CEO of PAGCOR

Background

Beyond domestic hurdles, DigiPlus is facing setbacks in its international ventures. In Brazil, where it soft-launched GamePlus in September 2025, the regulatory environment has become volatile. President Lula Da Silva recently moved to shut down the country's betting and gaming market. This decision is currently being contested in the Supreme Court. Furthermore, the presidential election run-off between Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro has added a layer of uncertainty for all foreign operators in the region.

On the home front, Philippine senators have proposed bans on online gambling to combat the black market, which still controls about 50% of the industry. In response to these multi-regional challenges, DigiPlus is exploring new opportunities in South Africa. The company has applied for manufacturing and bookmaker licenses from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB), seeking to diversify its portfolio away from the volatile Asian and South American sectors.

Why it matters for German players

While the withdrawal of DigiPlus from New Zealand does not directly change the options for players in Germany, it serves as a reminder of the importance of choosing regulated platforms. In Germany, the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) provides a secure framework. Players should always verify that an operator is listed on the GGL whitelist. This ensures that safety mechanisms like the LUGAS deposit limit system and the OASIS self-exclusion database are active.

New Zealand’s struggle to regulate its NZ$1 billion grey market highlights the benefits of Germany’s established system. German users are protected by a €1 maximum stake per spin on virtual slots and a cross-provider monthly deposit limit of €1,000. These strict rules prevent the kind of regulatory chaos currently seen in Brazil or the Philippines. By playing at GGL-licensed casinos, users avoid the risks of sudden market exits or legal uncertainties that plague unregulated international markets.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For casinos operating under a GGL license, these global developments underscore the value of market stability. While international giants like DigiPlus face political bans and economic shifts in emerging markets, Germany offers a predictable legal environment. The GGL’s oversight on advertising and player protection builds long-term consumer trust. Operators that adhere to these high standards are better positioned to withstand global economic pressures compared to those relying on unstable jurisdictions like the Philippines or the currently closed Brazilian market.