The arrangement gives DigiPlus direct insight into player behavior, positioning the company to drive seamless online-to-offline integration once it becomes the controlling shareholder of the property’s parent firm. Tanco added that there are currently no plans to rebrand New Coast as the integrated resort project progresses.
DigiPlus has become the Philippines’ largest online gambling platform; the company now has more than 40 million users.
Tanco said DigiPlus’ digital operations have long provided a substantial user base and deep data on engagement patterns across its online bingo, sportsbook, and digital entertainment offerings.
“Under the existing management agreement, DigiPlus already operates New Coast’s online gaming platform, giving the company direct insight into player behavior, digital preferences, and engagement patterns,” he said. These insights, he noted, will support a coordinated rollout of loyalty alignment, personalized offers, and integrated customer journeys across both digital and land-based channels.
DigiPlus is set to enter the Philippines’ land-based casino sector after striking a deal to acquire a controlling stake in International Entertainment Corp. (IEC), the parent company of New Coast Hotel Manila. As disclosed in a filing last week, DigiPlus will subscribe to HK$1.6 billion ($206 million) in convertible notes. Once fully converted, the company will hold a 53.89 percent interest in IEC based on the enlarged share capital.
The move to secure a controlling stake in IEC marks a firm step toward diversifying its business amid regulatory uncertainty in the online gaming sector.
Under a provisional license issued by PAGCOR in 2023, IEC committed to transforming New Coast into a full integrated resort, pledging at least $1 billion in development spending. Tanco said DigiPlus will contribute to this requirement through its planned subscription of convertible bonds.
“Part of the proceeds of the CB (convertible bonds) will go towards funding the required $1 billion IR investment,” he said. “It will be complemented by DigiPlus’ core strengths in online gaming operations, technology, customer acquisition, and digital entertainment.”
Tanco emphasized that DigiPlus brings substantial value through its scale in digital entertainment and advanced capabilities in payments, engagement, and platform management. “DigiPlus brings a large and highly engaged digital user base, along with proven capabilities in player engagement, payments, and platform management,” he said. These strengths, the company believes, will underpin what could become the Philippines’ first fully integrated online-to-offline (O2O) gaming ecosystem.
“DigiPlus aspires to set the standard for a fully integrated online-to-offline gaming ecosystem in the Philippines.”
By combining its digital reach with a physical property, the company aims to drive stronger loyalty, higher engagement, and greater customer value across channels.
No rebranding planned for New Coast Hotel
Despite the major transition underway, DigiPlus has no immediate plans to change the casino-hotel’s identity. “There are no rebranding plans at this stage,” Tanco said. For now, the focus remains on phased enhancements to the casino floor and key operational areas. “Completion of renovation works for the casino is expected by January 2026,” indicated the executive.
New Coast Hotel Manila currently offers 203 rooms and operates 96 table games, 495 slot machines, and a range of other gaming amenities, according to corporate information.
IEC’s latest filing indicates that the future New Coast integrated resort will span at least 250,000 square meters and include a minimum of 800 five-star hotel rooms, along with retail, dining, leisure, and gaming space covering at least 20,000 square meters.
Dingnews.com 25/11/2025