DigiPlus Interactive Corp., a Philippine-listed digital entertainment company, has secured regulatory approval to operate in South Africa.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), DigiPlus confirmed it had received licences to operate from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB) in South Africa. The company said it is positioned to enter what it described as the largest online gaming market on the continent. The market is estimated to have generated $4.9 billion in gaming revenues in 2025.
The filing further detailed that DigiPlus had been granted approval for “three operator licenses: a National Manufacturer Licence, a Bookmaker Licence, and a Bookmaker Premises Licence.” These licences will enable the company to participate across multiple segments of the South African gaming ecosystem, including manufacturing, bookmaking, and on-site betting operations.
The WCGRB, which oversees the Western Cape province, plays a central role in the country’s gaming landscape. DigiPlus noted in the disclosure that the region accounted for approximately 31 per cent of national iGaming revenues in 2025. “Western Cape is also a top destination for international operators like DigiPlus due to its transparent regulatory processes and digital readiness,” the company said.
South Africa will become DigiPlus’ second international market following its expansion into Brazil, where commercial operations are expected to commence in the first half of 2026.
Localisation and market research central to rollout
DigiPlus executives have earlier indicated that a full market launch in South Africa will take time, with a phased approach focused on localisation and operational readiness.
In November 2025, DigiPlus President Andy Tsui outlined the company’s roadmap following licensing. “We probably will adopt a similar approach. First, we get the licence, then build a local team there. We also have to conduct market research to better understand what the product offering will be,” he told reporters.
Tsui added that a soft launch is expected “sometime in early 2027”, highlighting the company’s measured entry into the market.
The executive also emphasised DigiPlus’ broader expansion philosophy, noting that the company is deliberately avoiding mature jurisdictions. “We are not going into these mature markets like the UK or US because the cost of entry is much higher and is very competitive,” he explained.
Instead, DigiPlus is focusing on emerging regulated markets where its strengths in localisation and digital entertainment can provide a competitive edge.
South Africa anchors Africa’s iGaming growth
DigiPlus’ entry into South Africa aligns with broader industry trends highlighted in the SiGMA Africa Market Report 2026. The report identified the country, a regulated jurisdiction, as the primary driver of growth across the continent.
According to the SiGMA report, regulated markets account for approximately 80–85 per cent of total revenue and up to 90 per cent of measurable consumer engagement. According to the data from the market intelligence platform Blask, South Africa recorded an estimated peak monthly revenue of $215.6 million last year, more than triple that of its nearest competitor.
South Africa’s leadership on the continent is attributed to its mature regulatory framework, strong internet penetration, and efficient payment infrastructure, which together enable operators to convert high engagement into sustainable revenue.
South Africa is also widely viewed as a benchmark market within the region. According to industry experts, operators expanding into neighbouring territories often replicate the country’s compliance standards, localisation strategies, and marketing approaches. Experts said this reinforces the country’s role as a continental hub for regulated gaming.
Strategic expansion gains momentum
DigiPlus had first disclosed its intention to enter the South African market in September 2025, when it submitted licence applications as part of a broader strategy to expand into regulated international markets.
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