Online gaming group DigiPlus Interactive Corp is in talks to buy a hotel at Manila Bay (pictured), “in line with plans to transform part of the historic Manila Bay site into a US$1 billion gaming complex”.
Per the report of InsiderPH, a Philippine business news outlet, the target site is the Diamond Hotel – a 480-room seafront property near Roxas Boulevard – said to be part of the private portfolio of Ramon Ang, chairman of Philippine conglomerate San Miguel Corp.
The media outlet cited “several insiders” as the source of the information, without naming them.
DigiPlus said in a Tuesday filing to the Philippine Stock Exchange, headlined ‘Clarification of news reports’: ““We confirm that DigiPlus is exploring opportunities to expand into adjacent and complementary segments, aligned with its long-term strategy to develop a robust gaming and digital entertainment ecosystem.
“However, these plans remain under evaluation, and no definitive transactions have been made.”
DigiPlus has a HKD1.60-billion (US$204.3-million) convertible note agreement with Hong Kong-listed International Entertainment Corp, controller of the New Coast Hotel Manila, about a five-minute walk inland from the Diamond Hotel at Manila Bay. If the notes were fully converted, it would result in DigiPlus holding a 53.89-percent stake in International Entertainment.
The New Coast Hotel complex has a provisional casino gaming licence from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor). International Entertainment has recently been using the brand “LaVie Resort & Casino Manila” to identify the New Coast complex.
Currently In the Philippines, DigiPlus – chaired by businessman Eusebio Tanco – operates BingoPlus, described as the country’s first government-approved online bingo platform. It also runs ArenaPlus, a sportsbook, and GameZone, a platform for casual and arcade gaming. Another group unit operates casino slot arcades in the country.
Overseas, DigiPlus has an online gaming licence in Brazil, and online gaming licensing in South Africa.
DigiPlus’ net income stood at PHP12.6 billion in full-year 2025, “flat” from the prior year, according to unaudited consolidated financial statements issued in March.
(Updated 11.00am, May 5)
