DigiPlus Interactive Corp., a listed company on the local bourse, will be launching its Brazilian operations in September, promising to open “a gaming market twice the size of the Philippines.”
“We are excited to bring world-class entertainment to new markets, capitalizing on the strength and expertise that we have established in the Philippines,” Eusebio Tanco, DigiPlus chairman, said in a statement.
“Our entry into Brazil is part of our strategic expansion program to usher DigiPlus’ next phase of growth,” he said.
DigiPlus was considering a fourth-quarter launch of its venture, after initially allocating P660 million for the business early this year. With a market capitalization of P222.68 billion, DigiPlus earned a license to operate a sports betting and online gaming business in the Latin American country last year.
Brazil has a population of more than 200 million and an internet penetration of nearly 90 percent.
“It is one of Latin America’s fastest-growing gaming markets, with an estimated market size of $4.6 billion for iGaming, based on a report from LCA Economic Consulting,” DigiPlus said.
DigiPlus intends to deliver “a fresh line-up of livestreamed games, slots, table games, and exclusive self-developed digital entertainment content designed to thrill local players in Brazil – all delivered through the company’s world-class technology infrastructure, recently strengthened by its landmark migration to Amazon Web Services (AWS).”
“A dedicated local team with deep cultural and regulatory knowledge is already in place in Brazil, ensuring that DigiPlus Brazil delivers not just popular global games, but also high-quality local experiences and responsible gaming,” the company stated.
In March, DigiPlus appointed industry specialist Graham Tidey as country manager for its Brazil operations.
In 2024, the Brazilian government formally approved stringent regulations for both online betting and gaming, paving the way for DigiPlus to secure a license.
“This milestone is part of DigiPlus’ strategy to expand its market leadership beyond Southeast Asia by combining secure technology, highly immersive games, and an unwavering commitment to safe, fair, and responsible digital entertainment,” DigiPlus said.
Andy Tsui, DigiPlus president, earlier expressed optimism on the prospects of the Brazil venture given its population and great enthusiasm for sports betting.
Brazil’s gaming market is projected to reach $4 billion by 2029, up from $2 billion last year, with growth expected to exceed 15-20 percent over the next five years.
DigiPlus, formerly Leisure and Resorts World Corporation, is listed in the casinos and gaming sector of the Philippine Stock Exchange.
