DigiPlus Puts HKD1.60bn into IEC as Manila Casino Funding Grows
DigiPlus Interactive Corp completed a second HKD800 million subscription to convertible notes in Hong Kong-listed International Entertainment Ltd, according to a Tuesday filing. The two tranches carry a total principal amount of HKD1.60 billion. Full conversion would give DigiPlus a 53.89% stake in International Entertainment, though the company had not exercised conversion rights on the first tranche as of Tuesday’s filing.
International Entertainment holds a provisional gaming licence from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp for a Manila Bay casino hotel. The property, previously known as New Coast Hotel Manila, is now marketed as LaVie Resort & Casino Manila. Under its licence terms, the company has committed to invest at least US$1 billion to redevelop the site as an integrated resort.
The first HKD800 million tranche was completed in March 2026. International Entertainment confirmed in April that proceeds from that tranche went to settle key debt obligations in full.
Capital is also flowing into the physical property. A subsidiary is spending approximately PHP566.95 million, or US$9.2 million, on new construction work at the Manila Bay site. In April, International Entertainment also disclosed talks with an unnamed third-party online gaming operator about a possible online gaming offer in the Philippines.
DigiPlus runs BingoPlus, described as the Philippines’ first government-approved online bingo platform, alongside sportsbook ArenaPlus and casual gaming product GameZone. One of its units also operates casino slot arcades in the country.
The second subscription arrived days after a leadership change at DigiPlus. Last week, the company named Ping Chen as group president, replacing Andy Tsui, who left after more than four years with the business.
TGJ Take
DigiPlus now holds HKD1.60 billion in convertible notes but has not moved to convert the first tranche. That is a deliberate posture: the company gains a funded route into LaVie Resort & Casino Manila without yet taking equity control while the redevelopment remains in progress. The unresolved online gaming talks with a third-party operator add another variable to watch. For suppliers and platform providers eyeing the Philippines integrated resort sector, DigiPlus has the capital position, the existing online brands, and so far, the patience to wait.
