Hong Kong-listed International Entertainment Corporation (IEC) is moving into the Philippine online gaming market through a new partnership with Total Gamezone Xtreme Incorporated (TGXI), a subsidiary of Philippine gaming operator DigiPlus Interactive Corp.
The agreement marks a significant step in IEC’s expansion strategy and follows its earlier announcement that it planned to launch online gaming operations in the Philippines. The move will allow the company to leverage its existing licences while using TGXI’s established online gaming infrastructure.
Partnership to support online gaming launch
According to a filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, IEC’s indirect subsidiary, New Coast Leisure Inc. (NCLI), signed the cooperation agreement with TGXI on 9 June.
Under the deal, the two companies will work together on the integration, aggregation, provision, technical support and operation of approved online games and related gaming content. The services will be offered through an online gaming platform connected to LaVie Resort & Casino Manila, which is operated by NCLI.
The arrangement remains subject to approval from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
The cooperation agreement is non-exclusive and has an initial term of two years. It will automatically renew for one-year periods unless either party provides at least 30 days’ written notice before the end of the term.
Roles and responsibilities defined
NCLI will oversee regulatory compliance, licence maintenance and reporting obligations. The company will also be responsible for tracking gaming activity, conducting audits and carrying out internal reviews.
TGXI will provide the gaming software system, game aggregation services and approved gaming content. The company will also supply technical support and operational data to assist NCLI in meeting regulatory requirements.
The filing stated that all game content must be certified by Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) or another testing laboratory recognised by PAGCOR.
While the agreement outlines revenue sharing between the parties, it does not specify a fixed percentage. Instead, revenue, fees and commissions will be allocated according to the actual contributions and responsibilities undertaken by each company. This expansion aligns with the growing trend of mobile gaming, with platforms like the best mobile online casinos becoming increasingly popular among players.
Existing relationship with DigiPlus
The latest partnership further strengthens IEC’s relationship with DigiPlus.
DigiPlus currently holds convertible bonds issued by IEC with a principal value of HK$1.6 billion (US$205 million). If the bonds are fully converted, DigiPlus would acquire a 53.89 per cent controlling stake in IEC.
The online gaming collaboration comes less than two months after IEC announced its intention to enter the digital gaming sector.
Leveraging existing licences
NCLI secured several online gaming approvals from PAGCOR in 2025. These include an Electronic Games Operator licence, accreditation as a Gaming System Administrator for PAGCOR-licensed electronic gaming venues and accreditation as a Game Content Provider.
IEC said the partnership would allow the company to use these licences while avoiding the time and costs involved in building a new online gaming platform from scratch.
According to the filing, the arrangement enables the group to utilise TGXI’s established infrastructure, helping it enter the online gaming market more efficiently.
Focus on growing Philippine market
IEC highlighted the growth potential of the Philippine online gaming sector as a key factor behind the move.
The company cited forecasts from market research firm IMARC Group, which estimates that the Philippine gaming market will reach US$9.87 billion by 2033. The report projects a compound annual growth rate of 8.29 per cent between 2025 and 2033.
IEC also pointed to PAGCOR’s regulatory reforms introduced in early 2025. These changes reduced licensing fees to 30 per cent for land-based operators and 25 per cent for integrated resorts, compared with the previous rate of 55 per cent.
To ensure compliance with regulations, the online gaming platform will block all non-Philippine internet protocol addresses. Player registrations and betting activity from outside the Philippines will not be permitted.
IEC added that its Hong Kong legal adviser had confirmed that the planned operations would not breach Hong Kong’s Gambling Ordinance because the platform will only accept players located within the Philippines.
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