DigiPlus Becomes Top Contender for City of Dreams Manila Stake

DigiPlus Interactive Corp, which runs BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, has a growing connection to the potential acquisition of Melco Resorts & Entertainment‘s stake in City of Dreams, Manila. While the company has not confirmed the transaction, experts in the field believe DigiPlus has emerged as the frontrunner to buy the integrated resort.

Melco’s Plan to Slim Down Assets Makes City of Dreams Manila Attractive to DigiPlus

News broke last week that DigiPlus and Melco had been discussing a possible buyout for months. Melco, under the leadership of Lawrence Ho, a billionaire, started following a “light on assets” approach this year. In February, it began looking into selling its Manila property. By May, Melco had kicked off an auction and was talking with interested buyers.

For DigiPlus, this move could mean more than just buying property. The company, known for its online gaming business, has faced growing pressure from regulators in the Philippines. Lawmakers are looking at e-wallets, ads, and even the future of online gambling in the country. By moving into land-based operations, DigiPlus would not only spread out its business but also take advantage of lower tax rates for integrated resorts, reported Bilyonaryo. Experts point out that this change could help make up for dropping revenues and boost investor trust after DigiPlus’s share price fell since June.

DigiPlus Thinks About Adding Physical Casinos to Its Mix as Online Gaming Faces Hurdles

City of Dreams, Manila, owned by the Sy family’s Belle Corp, stands as one of the top casino resorts in the Philippines. A potential deal would give DigiPlus the chance to explore both real-world and internet-based gaming options. It would also boost its ability to offer live-streamed products from a bigger land-based center. People who keep an eye on the industry say this could be a natural next step for DigiPlus. It would mix its online strengths with a more old-school gaming presence.

Nonetheless, the company has maintained a careful approach in its public statements. When asked by the Philippine Stock Exchange, DigiPlus said it keeps looking for purchases that might boost its digital holdings, noting that it has not signed any binding deals yet.

This echoes how it has answered similar rumors before, including stories that linked the firm with other casino properties.This possible purchase happens as Philippine casinos face tough times, with fewer visitors from important markets like China and South Korea compared to before the pandemic. Even with these challenges, experts think DigiPlus could find long-term worth in a real-world asset.