DigiPlus pauses Brazil soft launch, eyes full rollout in 2026
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. has announced a temporary pause in the rollout of its first Brazilian brand, GamePlus, following a soft launch on 22 September. The move comes less than a month after the Philippine-based company debuted in Brazil, marking its first foray outside Southeast Asia.
In a disclosure filed with the Philippine Stock Exchange, DigiPlus said the pause, effective 10 October, was a “strategic step” to refine its offering for the Brazilian market.
“We are taking the strategic step to pause GamePlus in Brazil so we can come back stronger with a digital entertainment offering that is not only locally relevant but also resonates deeply with Brazilian culture and entertainment habits,” Eusebio Tanco, DigiPlus Chairman, said.
The company said that over the past three weeks, it has used the soft-launch period as a live learning laboratory to gather insights on Brazilian player behaviour, cultural preferences, and entertainment dynamics. These insights, the company said, will guide research and development efforts and inform the design of a “uniquely local game experience.”
Long-term strategy and product relaunch
DigiPlus said the pause forms part of its broader strategy to prioritise quality, cultural resonance, and sustainability. It added that teams in the Philippines and Brazil are now focused on developing a “self-developed, best-in-class, and locally innovative product offering” for a full-scale relaunch in early 2026.
Brazil entry and early rollout
At launch in September, GamePlus featured more than 150 local titles in both free-to-play and real-money formats. The offering was designed to include later exclusive content based on Brazilian folklore, casual games, and sports.
Industry observers saw the move as part of DigiPlus’ effort to tap into Brazil’s fast-growing online gambling sector, which officially opened to licensed operators at the start of 2025. With over 200 million people and nearly 90 percent internet penetration, Brazil represents one of the most dynamic digital gaming markets in Latin America.
Building local presence and compliance
DigiPlus’ Brazilian operations are managed by DigiPlus Brazil Interactive LTDA, which Country Manager Graham Tidey leads. In an earlier statement, the company said it has committed to developing a local team and ensuring compliance with Brazil’s new gaming regulations, which impose strict requirements on anti-money laundering, IT security, and player protection.
During the September announcement, DigiPlus outlined its intent to build a strong local talent base. The company positioned GamePlus as part of a long-term strategy to deliver safe, responsible, and culturally grounded digital entertainment in regulated markets.
Next steps
Following the pause, DigiPlus said it will continue research and product development to ensure that its return to Brazil next year will reflect a deeper understanding of the local audience.
According to its disclosure, the company’s decision underscores a deliberate focus on long-term sustainability and innovation rather than rapid market entry. The planned 2026 rollout will mark the next phase of DigiPlus’ international expansion, positioning it to deliver a new generation of locally inspired gaming experiences for Brazilian players.
Aside from its expansion in Brazil, DigiPlus took a step in its global expansion strategy by submitting applications for an online gaming licence in South Africa. The operator license covers manufacturing, bookmaking, and bookmaker premises in the country, which, if granted, will enable DigiPlus to venture into various sectors of the gaming business in South Africa.
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