CasinoPlus, a licensed online gaming provider under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), has unveiled groundbreaking partnerships with seven integrated resort (IR) licensees across the Philippines, including several in Manila. This bold move aims to bring the excitement of traditional casino experiences into the digital world through a regulated and streamlined platform.
Bridging Physical and Digital Gaming
CasinoPlus’s initiative is focused on enabling land-based casinos to seamlessly transition to the online gaming space. According to CEO Evan Spytma, the company is dedicated to reducing the time and effort required for casinos to adapt to this new format.
“What we’re doing is shortening the timeline for land-based casinos to establish their online presence,” Spytma shared. CasinoPlus provides the necessary technology, infrastructure, and operational expertise, making it easier for traditional operators to thrive in the digital era.
The company offers a full-service package, from equipment and gaming paraphernalia to daily operational support. This approach allows casino licensees to use their “online quota” effectively, with no upfront costs. “We introduce our players to these casinos and share revenue with operators,” Spytma explained, though the details of the revenue-sharing model remain confidential.
Leveraging the PIGO Licensing System
These partnerships operate within the Philippine Inland Gaming Operator (PIGO) framework, which links online games to physical gaming machines or tables at licensed casinos. This model provides land-based operators with an opportunity to reach a broader audience while maintaining a connection to their physical establishments.
Under PIGO regulations, casino licensees enjoy an additional 25% allocation to their quotas for gaming tables and slot machines when used for online operations. Spytma described this system as a “new revenue stream” that also strengthens brand recognition.
“When online players interact with live slots or table games, the brand and logo of the integrated resort are prominently displayed,” he explained. Additionally, CasinoPlus enables casinos to promote on-site events and offers directly to their online audience, encouraging cross-channel engagement.
A Booming Online Gaming Industry
CasinoPlus’s success is rooted in its own operations, such as the Hotel Stotsenberg and Casino in Clark. This integrated resort, located two hours from Manila, is undergoing renovations as part of the company’s commitment to both online and land-based gaming.
Online gaming has significantly boosted the Philippine gambling industry. Pagcor reports that the electronic gaming sector generated gross gaming revenue (GGR) of PHP35.71 billion (around $605.1 million) in the third quarter of 2024—a staggering 464.4% increase year-over-year.
Pagcor Chairman Alejandro Tengco projects GGR for 2024 to exceed $6 billion, a record-breaking milestone for the industry. Tengco credits this growth to advancements in technology and the increasing accessibility of smartphones, which have transformed gaming into a convenient and popular pastime. “The future of gaming is online,” Tengco stated, highlighting the sector’s limitless potential.
Building the Future of Integrated Gaming
CasinoPlus is poised to become a pivotal player in this evolving landscape. By fostering partnerships with Philippine casino licensees, the company is not only expanding its reach but also enabling land-based operators to tap into the growing demand for digital platforms.
Spytma envisions a fully integrated network where online players can connect directly with specific casinos. “Operators can promote events and offers to CasinoPlus players, eventually drawing them to their properties,” he noted.
With its innovative approach and strategic alliances, CasinoPlus is redefining the gaming experience in the Philippines, blending traditional and digital worlds for a dynamic and engaging future.
