Manila, Philippines — Shares of DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (PSE: PLUS) surged nearly 8.4% in early Tuesday trading, after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. noticeably omitted any mention of a total online gambling ban during his much-anticipated 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Investors took the omission as a positive signal that the administration may delay or soften regulatory action against licensed online gaming platforms—a move that has been looming since June.
Market Response: PLUS Leads PSE Gaming Sector
Following the SONA, DigiPlus shares rose from ₱3.33 to ₱3.61, marking its biggest single-day gain in over two months. The spike comes after weeks of volatility driven by fears that the Marcos government would announce a nationwide ban on online casinos and e-games, heavily affecting companies like DigiPlus.
The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) gaming index also closed 2.7% higher, with Bloomberry Resorts Corp. (BLOOM) and Premium Leisure Corp. (PLC) also posting modest gains.
Why Marcos’ Silence Matters
Over the last two months, mounting political pressure from lawmakers, church groups, and advocacy organizations like Digital Pinoys signaled a major shift toward a full ban on online gambling. Influencers tied to gambling promotions had their Facebook pages taken down, and new bills were filed in Congress.
However, in his 2025 SONA, Marcos sidestepped the issue entirely, offering no clear policy stance or timetable regarding gambling reforms.
“Investors interpreted the silence as a stay of execution for digital gaming companies,” said one equities strategist at a Makati-based brokerage firm.
Market Insights: Is This a Relief Rally or a Reprieve?
✅ Short-Term Momentum
The market’s reaction shows pent-up investor relief that policy uncertainty might not hit earnings as hard—or as soon—as feared. With Q2 reports coming in August, many traders are positioning for a strong quarterly rebound.
⚠️ Medium-Term Risk Remains
Despite this rally, risks are still present:
- Senate bills pushing for an outright ban remain active.
- PAGCOR’s August 15 deadline for removing gambling-related ads still stands.
- Consumer sentiment is shifting amid rising addiction and moral backlash.
Insight: Unless DigiPlus diversifies into non-gambling digital verticals, its long-term outlook is still tied to unpredictable regulatory currents.
DigiPlus: Business Overview & Performance
Company: DigiPlus Interactive Corp.
Formerly: Leisure & Resorts World Corp.
Primary Brands: BingoPlus, ArenaPlus
Sector: Digital Entertainment, Online Gaming
2024 Net Income: +38% YoY growth
2025 Focus: Expanding online gaming portfolio & launching interactive entertainment apps
DigiPlus has been aggressively positioning itself as a “digital entertainment ecosystem,” launching new formats that combine video content with social gaming. Its BingoPlus and ArenaPlus platforms have been the top revenue drivers over the last three quarters.
🔍 What to Watch
- August 15 – PAGCOR deadline for gambling ad takedown
- August–September 2025 – Possible Senate hearings on online gambling reform
- Q2 Earnings Release – Expected in mid-August
If Marcos or lawmakers clarify their position before then, expect major price swings for PLUS and other gaming stocks.
