DigiPlus Eyes $1B Gaming Complex with Hotel Acquisition

DigiPlus Interactive Corp., a major player in the Philippines’ online gaming sector, is reportedly in discussions to purchase the 480-room Diamond Hotel Philippines as part of its strategy to develop a $1 billion gaming complex along the Manila Bay coastline. This potential acquisition would significantly expand the company’s land-based operations, following its recent ventures in the area.

The Diamond Hotel, a seafront property located near Roxas Boulevard in Manila’s Malate district, is currently owned by Ramon S. Ang, chairman and CEO of San Miguel Corp. According to insiders, DigiPlus has made multiple offers to acquire the hotel, though these have been rebuffed. Despite this, DigiPlus is actively exploring the opportunity to incorporate the hotel into its broader expansion plans for the Manila Bay site.

Strategic Move to Consolidate Manila Bay Operations

DigiPlus, which operates popular platforms such as BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, is looking to create a more comprehensive gaming and entertainment ecosystem by consolidating operations at the Manila Bay site. The acquisition of the Diamond Hotel would complement its planned acquisition of the New Coast Hotel Manila, situated just a short walk from Diamond Hotel. The two properties, connected by a roof bridge, could be transformed into a single, integrated resort destination, offering both online and land-based gambling options.

According to InsiderPH, the company has already made significant strides in its expansion by negotiating a deal with Hong Kong-listed International Entertainment Corp. (IEC) for a controlling interest in the New Coast Hotel. DigiPlus has agreed to a convertible note deal worth HKD1.60 billion ($204.3 million), which, if fully converted, would give DigiPlus a 53.89% stake in IEC. This deal further strengthens DigiPlus’ position in the region, as IEC holds a provisional gaming license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), allowing it to operate a casino at the New Coast Hotel.

DigiPlus’ recent financial performance supports its bold expansion plans. The company reported a net income of PHP12.6 billion ($205 million) in 2025, with revenue increasing by 12% to PHP84.2 billion ($1.37 billion). With cash reserves growing by nearly 70% to PHP23.4 billion ($401 million) by the end of 2025, DigiPlus is well-positioned to fund large-scale investments like the acquisition of the Diamond Hotel.

The company’s interest in acquiring the Diamond Hotel aligns with its long-term strategy of developing a “robust gaming and digital entertainment ecosystem.” DigiPlus has made it clear that the plans are still in the evaluation phase, and no definitive agreements have been finalized. However, the potential acquisition represents a major step in the company’s shift toward integrating more land-based properties into its portfolio, complementing its online platforms.

A Competitive Landscape in Manila Bay

The move to expand into Manila Bay is strategically sound, given the area’s growing prominence as a hub for both tourism and gambling. DigiPlus’ proposed acquisition of the Diamond Hotel would place it in direct competition with other major players in the region, including other casino resorts that have established a foothold in Manila, such as Resorts World Manila and Okada Manila.

This expansion is in line with broader industry trends in the Philippines, where both land-based and online gambling sectors are showing significant growth. As regulations evolve and more foreign operators look to enter the market, the competition for prime locations like those along Manila Bay is expected to intensify.

Despite the volatility in global markets, the land-based casino sector in the Philippines remains resilient. DigiPlus’ plans reflect confidence in the long-term growth of the region’s gaming industry. As the company continues to explore opportunities for expansion, the acquisition of the Diamond Hotel could provide a major boost to its ambitions of becoming a dominant force in both the digital and physical gambling landscapes.

For now, DigiPlus has stated that while the evaluation of the Diamond Hotel acquisition is ongoing, no formal agreements have been made. The company will continue to monitor the situation as it looks to strengthen its position in the Philippines’ competitive casino market.