(AsiaGameHub) – Eusebio Tanco, chairman of DigiPlus Interactive Corp, believes licensed online gaming operators in the Philippines should adhere to the same standards as publicly listed companies.
Key Facts
- DigiPlus operates BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone in the Philippines.
- Tanco stated public listings would foster fairer competition.
- He also connected the idea to efforts against illegal online gambling.
Tanco: Listed Status Can Raise Industry Standards
Eusebio Tanco used DigiPlus’s annual stockholders meeting on Friday to deliver a direct message on regulation: licensed online gaming firms should face the same transparency, tax, and governance rules as listed companies.
“We need to level the playing field in this industry,” Mr Tanco stated. “We are a listed company, we are transparent and report regularly. We follow strong corporate governance, and we pay the right taxes.”
DigiPlus is already a Philippines-listed company. Its main brands include BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone. BingoPlus is recognized as the country’s first government-approved online bingo platform, ArenaPlus covers sports betting, and GameZone focuses on casual and arcade games. Another group unit operates casino slot arcades.
Tanco argued private online gaming operators do not always face the same public reporting pressure as listed firms. In his view, a listing rule would give regulators, investors, and players a clearer view of licensed operators.
He said: “The regulator should require all licensed online operators [in the Philippines] to be listed. I think that’s the only way to level the playing field.”
The proposal also ties to a broader policy concern in the Philippine online gaming market. PAGCOR and other authorities have been working to keep more gambling activity within the licensed system, where operators pay taxes and follow national rules.
For Tanco, stronger listed-company standards could support that goal. He said authorities should focus on ways “to help transfer the players from illegal operators to the legal, licensed operators.”
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