DigiPlus Interactive Corp., operator of BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone, is preparing to roll out its South African operations by early 2027.

In an interview with reporters on Wednesday, DigiPlus president Andy Tsui said the company expects to secure regulatory approval within the next eight months, following its formal application with the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB) for a national manufacturer license, bookmaker license, and bookmaker premises license.

“We probably will adopt a similar approach (to Brazil). First, we get the license and then we’ll build a local team there, and we also have to conduct market research to better understand what the product offering is,” Tsui said.

“So I would say sometime in early 2027, we also will do a soft launch in South Africa,” he added.

Attractive regulated gaming market

DigiPlus plans to leverage its expansion experience in Brazil to accelerate its rollout in South Africa, which Tsui described as one of the most attractive regulated gaming markets globally.

The WCGRB is widely considered a preferred jurisdiction for international operators due to its transparent processes and digital infrastructure.

South Africa’s online gambling industry, estimated at more than R28.97 billion or about $1.6 billion in 2023 and 2024, remains the continent’s largest regulated market.

Tsui also noted that the company continues to evaluate opportunities in other emerging economies.

Licensed markets

“We only go for the licensed markets as we’re a listed company. We look for a more like a developing country which has more opportunities. We’re not going into these mature markets like the UK or US because the cost of entry is much higher and it’s very competitive, so we’re carefully selecting those new opportunities,” he said.

DigiPlus’ move into South Africa follows the September launch of GamePlus in Brazil. By 2026, the company plans to introduce BingoPlus as its second platform in the Brazilian market.

Sixteen percent increase

From January to September, DigiPlus saw a 16 percent increase in nine-month net income to P10.11 billion, supported by strong retail games, new product launches, and efficiency gains. Revenues rose 30 percent to P66.83 billion, while EBITDA grew 19 percent to P11.13 billion.

The company also remitted P25.59 billion in taxes and fees, up 9 percent year on year.

The performance, however, softened in the third quarter, with net income down 59 percent to P1.71 billion, EBITDA dropping 55 percent to P2.0 billion, and revenues falling 23 percent to P19.05 billion.