Online gaming firm DigiPlus Interactive Corp. says it expects a pickup in business in the fourth quarter after a weak performance in 3Q, following the government’s mid-August decision to block online gaming transactions through major e-wallets like GCash and Maya.
President Andy Tsui said DigiPlus’ customer service team has been actively contacting high-value players, helping them reinstall the app and directing them to the company’s website. While he did not disclose numbers, Tsui said the company has seen “gradual recovery” over the past two months.
To offset the e-wallet ban, DigiPlus has expanded its payment options, partnering with more payment centers to ensure players still have multiple ways to fund their accounts.
Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco noted that people often turn to gaming during difficult economic periods, pointing to historical examples of increased gambling during recessions. He warned, however, that the country’s fourth-quarter economic performance may be weaker than the third quarter despite the holiday season, and urged both government and private sector to work together on broader economic stimulus.
DigiPlus’ third-quarter net income fell sharply to ₱1.71 billion from ₱3.52 billion last year, mainly due to the e-wallet restriction. Revenue was flat at ₱19.05 billion.
Despite the 3Q slump, the company still posted stronger results for the first nine months of the year, with net income rising 15 percent to ₱10.11 billion, and revenue climbing 30 percent to ₱66.83 billion.
