Hong Kong-listed International Entertainment Corp (IEC), owner of LaVie Resort & Casino Manila in Malate, has formalized a cooperation with Total Gamezone Xtreme Inc (TGXI), a subsidiary of Philippine-listed DigiPlus Interactive Corp, to introduce a new online gaming platform tied to LaVie. The non-exclusive agreement allows IEC to leverage licenses held by its subsidiary New Coast Leisure Inc (NCLI) and utilize TGXI’s online gaming infrastructure, aggregation services, and operational expertise.
IEC emphasized that entering the online gaming sector provides an opportunity to diversify revenue, enhance operational efficiency, and create new growth drivers for the group. According to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange filing, NCLI holds all relevant licenses, including an Electronic Games Operator licence and accreditations as a Gaming System Administrator and Game Content Provider. Deloitte Advisory (Hong Kong) Limited reviewed the structure and confirmed that no significant internal control deficiencies were present.
Regulatory Compliance and Operational Structure
The cooperation follows IEC’s April announcement to enter online gaming and is underpinned by a regulatory-compliant framework. NCLI will oversee the maintenance of PAGCOR licenses, regulatory reporting, revenue tracking, auditing, and internal compliance reviews. TGXI will provide technical support, certified game content, aggregation services, and platform integration to support regulatory adherence.
The agreement initially spans two years and renews automatically for successive one-year periods unless notice of non-renewal is given by either party. IEC’s legal advisors confirmed that the platform, which blocks access outside the Philippines through internet-protocol measures, complies with both local law and Hong Kong’s Gambling Ordinance.
The partnership builds on a financial arrangement in which DigiPlus holds convertible bonds issued by IEC, totaling HK$1.6 billion (US$205 million). Upon full conversion, DigiPlus would assume a 53.89 percent controlling stake in IEC and its primary asset, LaVie Resort & Casino, Inside Asian Gaming reports. IEC noted that this structure allows it to capitalize on TGXI’s established infrastructure, reducing the resources needed to build a platform from the ground up and positioning the group to enter the Philippine online gaming market efficiently and competitively.
Growth Potential in the Philippine Market
IEC cited favorable government policies, technological advancements, and strong consumer demand as key factors for market entry. Forecasts from IMARC Group project the country’s online gaming market will reach US$9.87 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate of 8.29 percent from 2025 to 2033. Early 2025 reforms by PAGCOR, including reduced licensing fees for land-based and integrated resort operators and accreditation rules for third-party vendors, have enhanced the regulatory environment and encouraged digital expansion.
The cooperation between IEC and TGXI marks a strategic entry into a rapidly expanding sector, combining regulatory compliance, technical infrastructure, and operational expertise to support growth and shareholder returns. IEC stressed that leveraging TGXI’s platform will allow for competitive and compliant operations, meeting increasing market demand while establishing a foundation for long-term development in the Philippine online gaming industry.