DigiPlus withdraws from New Zealand online gaming licence auction

Philippines-listed DigiPlus Interactive Corp has decided not to proceed with its bid for an online gaming licence in New Zealand, following what it said was a review of the market and the potential value of the investment. In a Wednesday filing to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the company said it would not participate in the final rounds of the New Zealand auction for the right to apply for an online gaming licence. “After further market analysis and determination of market values, the company has decided to abstain from the final rounds of the New Zealand auction on the right to apply for an online gaming licence,” DigiPlus stated. The company said the decision would have “no impact” on its existing businesses or result in any deviation from its international expansion strategy. DigiPlus had announced in early August that it had submitted an expression of interest in applying for a New Zealand online gaming licence. The latest decision marks a change in the company’s plans for the New Zealand market, although DigiPlus indicated that it remained committed to expanding internationally. The withdrawal comes as New Zealand concludes a competitive auction for a maximum of 15 online casino licences under a new regulatory framework. According to the country’s Department of Internal Affairs, the auction, held between September 29 and October 12, attracted 32 bidders and concluded after 10 rounds. Eleven entities secured the right to apply for licences, with the final auction price reaching NZD15 million (US$8.4 million) per permit. Winning bidders must still undergo a regulatory assessment before licences can be granted. The new licensing regime is expected to be fully operational in 2027. DigiPlus operates online gaming platforms in the Philippines and has been pursuing opportunities in overseas markets. In August, the company appointed global advisory firm Teneo as a strategic adviser to support its international expansion plans. The group also holds gaming licences in Brazil and South Africa. In late September, DigiPlus said regulatory developments in Brazil, including a newly announced ban on online gaming and sports betting, were unlikely to have a material impact on its business. The company had relaunched its operations in that market less than three months earlier.