DigiPlus Withdraws from New Zealand Casino Licence Race: What It Means

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-15

Philippine gaming operator DigiPlus Interactive Corp. has officially withdrawn from New Zealand's online casino licensing auction. The company announced its decision on October 14 in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, following a thorough review of market conditions and investment opportunities. This move comes after DigiPlus initially submitted an expression of interest back in August. ### Why DigiPlus Decided to Walk Away In a statement, the company explained: "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 casino license." Essentially, DigiPlus took a hard look at the numbers and decided the potential returns didn't justify the investment. This decision highlights the challenges operators face when entering new markets. New Zealand's online casino licensing process is still in its early stages, and companies are carefully weighing the risks and rewards. For DigiPlus, the math simply didn't add up. ### What This Means for the New Zealand Market New Zealand is in the process of establishing a regulated online casino market. The government has been auctioning off licenses to operators who want to offer online casino games to New Zealand residents. The auction format is somewhat unusual—it's not just about meeting regulatory requirements but also about bidding for the right to apply for a license. DigiPlus's withdrawal suggests that the auction may not be attracting as many bidders as expected, or that the perceived value of a New Zealand license is lower than some operators initially thought. This could be a signal to other potential entrants that the market might not be as lucrative as hoped. ### The Bigger Picture for DigiPlus DigiPlus Interactive Corp. is a major player in the Philippine gaming industry, known for its online gaming platforms and retail gaming operations. The company has been expanding its footprint in recent years, but it's also known for being disciplined about where it invests. By pulling out of New Zealand, DigiPlus can focus its resources on other opportunities—perhaps in markets where it already has a strong presence or where the regulatory environment is more favorable. It's a strategic retreat, not a sign of weakness. ### What's Next for New Zealand's Online Casino Auction? The auction will continue without DigiPlus. Other operators who remain in the running will proceed to the final rounds. It remains to be seen how many licenses will ultimately be granted and which companies will secure them. For now, DigiPlus's decision serves as a reminder that the online casino industry is highly competitive and that operators must carefully evaluate every market entry. Sometimes, the smartest move is to walk away. As the New Zealand market evolves, we'll be watching to see if other operators follow DigiPlus's lead or if they see value where DigiPlus did not.