Tanco: DigiPlus to unite online brands with New Coast Hotel
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. Chairman Eusebio Tanco said the company’s planned expansion into land-based hospitality and gaming through its HKD1.6 billion (€177.4 million) convertible notes subscription in International Entertainment Corporation (IEC) will advance its goal of creating a unified entertainment ecosystem that links its online brands with a major physical property.
In exclusive comments provided to SiGMA World, Tanco explained that DigiPlus aims to fully integrate the customer journey across both environments as it enters the offline sector through the parent company of New Coast Hotel Manila.
Addressing how DigiPlus intends to merge its digital platforms with the operations of New Coast Hotel Manila, Tanco said, “DigiPlus intends to align New Coast’s casino, hospitality, and event offerings with its digital brands – BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone – through loyalty programs, co-branded events, and seamless cross-platform experiences. This supports its goal of building an omnipresent, customer-centric entertainment ecosystem.” He said the move reflects the company’s transition from being purely digital to establishing a presence that connects online players with new real-world experiences.
Convertible notes to open path to control of IEC
DigiPlus announced in its Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) disclosure that it has signed a convertible notes agreement that grants it the rights to obtain a controlling economic stake in IEC, the Hong Kong-listed parent company of New Coast Hotel Manila. The notes amount to HKD1.6 billion and will be issued in two tranches. The company stated that the first tranche of HKD800 million (€88.7 million) will proceed once customary conditions are met. Meanwhile, the second tranche of the same amount will follow within three months under terms that the parties will agree upon.
The notes may be converted at HKD1.00 (€0.11) per share, and DigiPlus said it would hold around 53.89 percent of IEC’s issued capital if it exercises this option. The securities carry a three percent annual interest rate and will be redeemable at 108 percent upon maturity after five years should DigiPlus choose not to convert. The company said the potential acquisition will reinforce its omnipresent entertainment ecosystem by connecting its digital network with a strategic land-based platform that can expand customer engagement and improve brand reach.
New Coast Hotel Manila to anchor DigiPlus’ offline strategy
IEC owns and operates New Coast Hotel Manila, a five-star integrated hotel and casino complex in Malate, Manila. The property, formerly known as New World Manila Bay Hotel, is undergoing renovations that include upgrades to both the casino and hotel facilities. DigiPlus noted that the casino is expected to reopen in January 2026, while the hotel renovation is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2026. The complex currently offers 203 rooms, 96 gaming tables, 495 slot machines, and multiple dining and event spaces.
The company said the addition of New Coast Hotel Manila will strengthen its group structure by combining IEC’s hospitality and gaming management experience with DigiPlus’ digital technology and entertainment operations. It said this will support enhancements in service delivery, customer engagement, and cross-platform integration once the acquisition is completed.
DigiPlus preparing organisational expansion for hospitality operations
Tanco also addressed how DigiPlus plans to adapt internally should it take a controlling stake in IEC and assume responsibilities for managing a large hospitality asset. In another response given exclusively to SiGMA World, he said, “We plan to retain the key operation team and add additional management staff to support [the] integration strategy between online and land-based casinos. In addition, DigiPlus has a strong governance framework and an experienced board, including executives with backgrounds in hospitality, gaming, and real estate, giving us the capacity to oversee the operations.”
He emphasised that strengthening management resources will be essential to ensure the integration runs smoothly and supports the company’s broader ecosystem strategy.
Strategic vision aligned with long-term expansion
Tanco previously described the initiative as “a defining step” in DigiPlus’ long-term plan to create an entertainment ecosystem supported by technology and tailored experiences. The company reiterated that the transaction aligns with its intent to bridge digital innovation with real-world entertainment in a way that promotes responsible and competitive growth.
The completion of the deal remains subject to approval by IEC shareholders, regulatory authorities in Hong Kong, and the Philippine Competition Commission. DigiPlus said it views the potential acquisition as a means to deliver sustained growth and value by unifying entertainment, hospitality, and digital technology.
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