RGB International, DigiPlus Interactive unaffected by POGO ban

Jenny Ortiz July 26, 2024

SiGMA news

RGB International, DigiPlus Interactive unaffected by POGO ban

Malaysia-based casino supplier RGB International and local digital gaming company DigiPlus both announced they remain unaffected by the government’s recent ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

On Monday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared that POGOs must cease operations by the end of the year during his State of the Nation Address (SONA), impacting 38 Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) permit holders and seven provisional licensees based on the data from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

RGB says no slot machines are sold to POGOs

RGB emphasised that none of its slot machines were sold to POGOs. Instead, their machines are exclusively supplied to integrated resorts (IR), casinos, and slot club operators licenced by PAGCOR. The company maintains a positive outlook on its business prospects in the Philippines.

The company said the board of directors of RGB International Bhd reassures all stakeholders that they are not affected in any way by the POGOs ban. They also highlighted their recent plans to open a new facility in Manila, which will include a showroom, training hub, and repair centre. This facility, located near the Entertainment City casino zone, aims to support regional expansion and sustained business growth.

RGB recently secured an $81 million (€74.6 million) deal to supply nearly 2,000 new slot machines to PAGCOR as part of a refresh of the regulator’s self-operated casinos. This strategic move underscores the company’s robust prospects in the Philippine market.

DigiPlus: Llocal operations remain strong

DigiPlus Interactive Corp., a digital gaming company in the Philippines, has also assured its investors and stakeholders that the POGO ban will not affect its operations. Unlike POGOs, DigiPlus caters to the local market and operates physical gaming sites across the country, as mandated by Philippine law.

DigiPlus President Andy Tsui clarified that the company is not classified as a POGO or an IGL. “DigiPlus is not a POGO or an IGL as defined under Philippine laws,” Tsui stated. He emphasised that DigiPlus complies with local regulations and maintains various licences required to offer traditional and electronic bingo, sports betting, specialty games, and poker.

The company’s digital entertainment platforms, such as BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, Perya Game, and BingoPlus Poker, continue to serve Filipino customers without disruption. Last year, DigiPlus paid PHP13.1 billion (€206.2 million) in taxes to the Philippine government. It also provides employment to over 2,000 people across the country. Additionally, the company’s BingoPlus Foundation has invested over PHP100 million (€1.6 million) in corporate social responsibility projects.

“As such, local gaming enthusiasts need not worry. Fans of DigiPlus’ products will be glad to know that their top-of-the-line platforms will continue running without interruption, unaffected by the recent presidential announcement,” Tsui added. The company’s focus on innovation aims to revolutionise the entertainment space in the Philippines, ensuring that local gaming enthusiasts can enjoy uninterrupted services despite the recent regulatory changes.

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