Philippine-listed and licensed online gaming operator DigiPlus Interactive Corp has announced a “strategic partnership” with Pay&Go, one of the leading providers of self-service payment kiosks in the country, with the aim of expanding payment access for players using DigiPlus platforms.
In the Philippines, DigiPlus runs BingoPlus, described as the country’s first government-approved online bingo platform. It also operates ArenaPlus, a sportsbook, and GameZone, a platform for casual and arcade gaming.
The new partnership “will enable users to fund their e-wallets with utmost ease by way of a growing network of 3,500 self-service kiosks,” stated DigiPlus in a Wednesday press release.
“With a cashout feature also being eyed early next year, this collaboration kicks off with BingoPlus and will expand soon to ArenaPlus and GameZone,” added the company.
Pay&Go is a self-service payment kiosk network operated by BTI Payment Philippines, a subsidiary of Australia-based The Banktech Group.
The announcement cited a representative of DigiPlus, Jasper Vicencio (pictured right), as saying: “Our commitment at DigiPlus has always been to deliver digital entertainment that is engaging, trustworthy, and service-oriented.”
He added: “Achieving that requires strong partnerships with organisations that share our commitment to customer trust and service excellence.”
Mr Vicencio is president of AB Leisure Exponent Inc and Total Gamezone Xtreme Inc, two subsidiaries of DigiPlus.
He stated: “This partnership with Pay&Go is grounded in innovation, accessibility, and a shared mission to serve more Filipinos through secure and convenient payment touchpoints.
“This means more access, more convenience, and more ways for our community to enjoy the DigiPlus experience wherever they are,” he added.
Danilo Ibarra (pictured left), chief executive of BTI Payments Philippines, said in prepared remarks that his company was “excited to support DigiPlus with Pay&Go’s nationwide footprint”.
“Together, we’re making trusted payment access available to more BingoPlus players across the country and soon with ArenaPlus and GameZone,” said Mr Ibarra.
DigiPlus said access to Pay&Go payment kiosks “significantly expands” DigiPlus’ player support network.
“This existing network currently includes dedicated in-house 24/7 customer support, over 130 physical BingoPlus stores nationwide, over-the-counter payment channel options, and a surety bond protecting player wallets,” stated the company.
The firm has been taking what it says are “proactive measures” to enhance player protection and customer service.
That included the launch in mid-September of a surety bond programme for online gaming players, as well as expanding “over-the-counter (OTC) or physical payment options” for players via a partnership with bills payment service provider Bayad.
That was after in August, the Philippines’ central bank ordered the delinking of online gambling platforms from electronic wallets.
DigiPlus’ management has said in recent commentary that it still has a “competitive advantage” in terms of product offering, and is “well positioned” to navigate the challenges amid higher scrutiny of the country’s online gaming sector.
The company has also announced a deal that will see it take over control of a land-based casino in the Philippine capital, Manila. DigiPlus is set to acquire a majority stake – via subscription to convertible notes – in Hong Kong-listed International Entertainment Corp, which runs the New Coast Hotel Manila property.
