IEC Partners With DigiPlus Subsidiary To Enter Philippines Online Gaming Market

Hong Kong-listed International Entertainment Corporation (IEC) has taken another step into the Philippine online gaming sector through a partnership with Total Gamezone Xtreme Incorporated (TGXI), a subsidiary of DigiPlus Interactive Corp.

The agreement supports IEC’s plans to launch online gaming operations in the country, allowing the company to harness existing licenses through TGXI’s online gaming infrastructure. According to a filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, IEC’s indirect subsidiary, New Coast Leisure Inc. (NCLI), signed the cooperation agreement with TGXI on 9 June.

Under the arrangement, both parties will collaborate on the integration, aggregation, provision, operation and technical support of approved online games. The content will be delivered through an online gaming platform linked to LaVie Resort & Casino Manila, which is operated by NCLI.

This agreement is subject to approval from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and compliance with applicable regulations. The partnership has been structured as a non-exclusive arrangement with an initial two-year term. It will automatically renew for additional one-year periods unless either party provides at least 30 days’ notice before expiry.

Defined Roles and Responsibilities for NCLI and TGXI

NCLI will supervise regulatory compliance, licence maintenance, and reporting obligations. The company will also be responsible for monitoring gaming activity and conducting internal reviews to ensure compliance with PAGCOR requirements.

Conversely, TGXI will provide the online gaming platform, game aggregation services, and approved gaming content. It will also supply operational data needed to assist NCLI with regulatory reporting. According to the filing, all gaming content under the partnership must be certified by Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) or another testing laboratory recognised by PAGCOR.

The companies will share revenue generated through the platform, although no fixed percentage was disclosed. Instead, revenue, commissions and fees will be allocated based on the contributions and responsibilities of each party.

Existing DigiPlus Relationship Supports Expansion Plans

The partnership further strengthens a strong relationship between IEC and DigiPlus. 

DigiPlus currently holds convertible bonds issued by IEC with a principal value of HK$1.6 billion (US$205 million). If fully converted, the bonds would give DigiPlus a controlling 53.89% stake in IEC.

The latest agreement comes less than two months after IEC confirmed plans to enter the online gaming sector. By partnering with TGXI, IEC gains access to established technology infrastructure.

Philippine Market Growth Creates Attractive Opportunity

IEC noted the Philippine industry’s growth as a major factor behind the expansion. According to forecasts from IMARC Group referenced by the company, the Philippine gaming market could reach US$9.87 billion by 2033. This report projected a compound annual growth rate of 8.29% between 2025 and 2033.

The company also pointed to regulatory reforms introduced by PAGCOR earlier this year. The regulator reduced licensing fees to 30% for land-based operators and 25% for integrated resorts, down from the previous 55% rate.

NCLI already secured several PAGCOR approvals during 2025, including an Electronic Games Operator licence, Gaming System Administrator accreditation and Game Content Provider accreditation. These approvals create a foundation for the company’s planned online gaming activities.

To maintain compliance with Philippine regulations, the platform will only accept players physically located within the country. All non-Philippine IP addresses will be blocked and overseas player registrations prohibited.

The company also stated that legal advice received in Hong Kong confirmed that the planned operations would not violate Hong Kong’s Gambling Ordinance because services will be restricted exclusively to players within the Philippines.

IEC has partnered with Total Gamezone Xtreme Incorporated, a subsidiary of DigiPlus, to launch online gaming operations in the Philippines. The agreement was signed with the IEC’s indirect subsidiary, NCLI, with both companies handling different aspects of operations and regulation. A two-year approval from PAGCOR is currently in the works.