DigiPlus Interactive Corp., a leading gaming operator based in the Philippines, has reassured its shareholders and customers that the recent POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) ban announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not impact its operations. The ban, which affects offshore and internet gaming licensees, does not extend to DigiPlus’s 24/7 online bingo services.
Clarification from DigiPlus
Andy Tsui, President of DigiPlus, clarified the company’s position in response to the ban: “DigiPlus is not a POGO or an Internet Gaming Licensee (IGL) as defined under Philippine laws,” he said. This statement underscores the distinction between company’s operations and those targeted by the new legislation.
Understanding the Operational Model
DigiPlus operates as a local gaming operator and complies with Philippine regulations that mandate a physical presence in the country for online gaming operations. This requirement differentiates it from POGOs, which are primarily offshore and have been directly affected by the recent ban.
In addition to its 24/7 online bingo streaming platform, BingoPlus, DigiPlus holds licenses for a range of gaming services, including traditional bingo, electronic bingo games, electronic gaming services, sports betting, specialty games, and poker. These licenses support its broad portfolio of online games such as ArenaPlus, Perya Game, and BingoPlus Poker, which cater predominantly to the Philippine market.
Reactions to the POGO Ban
Following President Marcos Jr.’s announcement, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and various representatives have expressed concerns regarding the ban. Their concerns include potential loss of state revenue and uncertainty about whether the ban will effectively target illicit operators.
The Continued Commitment
Despite the regulatory changes, DigiPlus remains committed to its operations and customer base. The company’s diversified gaming offerings and compliance with local regulations position it to continue serving its customers without interruption.
Conclusion: The Clarification
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. has provided clarity on how the recent POGO ban will not affect its 24/7 online bingo operations or its other gaming platforms. As a local operator with a physical presence in the Philippines and a comprehensive range of licenses, the corporation continues to uphold its commitment to delivering a diverse array of gaming experiences to its customers.
FAQs About DigiPlus and the POGO Ban
1. What is the recent POGO ban announced by President Marcos Jr.?
The POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) ban announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. targets offshore and internet gaming licensees operating outside Philippine regulations, aiming to curb illegal gaming activities and protect state revenues.
2. How does the POGO ban affect DigiPlus Interactive Corp.?
The company has assured that the POGO ban will not affect its operations. The company is not classified as a POGO or an Internet Gaming Licensee (IGL) under Philippine laws, and it complies with local regulations by maintaining a physical presence in the country.
3. What is DigiPlus’s operational model?
It operates as a local gaming operator with a physical site in the Philippines, which is a requirement for setting up its online gaming platform operations. This distinguishes it from POGOs, which are primarily offshore.
4. What licenses does DigiPlus hold?
It holds licenses for various gaming services including traditional bingo, electronic bingo games, electronic gaming services, sports betting, specialty games, and poker.
5. What online gaming platforms does DigiPlus operate?
It operates several online gaming platforms, including BingoPlus (a 24/7 online bingo streaming platform), ArenaPlus, Perya Game, and BingoPlus Poker.
6. Why has PAGCOR and other representatives expressed concerns about the POGO ban?
PAGCOR and other representatives have raised concerns about the potential loss of state revenue and the effectiveness of the ban in targeting illicit operators. They worry that the ban may not fully address illegal gaming activities.
7. How does DigiPlus’s business model differ from POGOs?
Unlike POGOs, it operates with a physical presence in the Philippines and adheres to local regulatory requirements. This operational model differentiates it from offshore gaming operators targeted by the ban.
8. Will DigiPlus continue its operations without interruption?
Yes, it has stated that its 24/7 online bingo operations and other gaming platforms will remain unaffected by the POGO ban, allowing the company to continue serving its customers as usual.
9. What other services does DigiPlus offer beyond online bingo?
In addition to online bingo through BingoPlus, it offers a variety of online games including ArenaPlus, Perya Game, and BingoPlus Poker.
10. What steps has DigiPlus taken to comply with local regulations?
It maintains a physical presence in the Philippines and operates under various licenses that comply with local gaming regulations, ensuring its adherence to legal requirements.