Manny Pacquiao’s payment platform enters iGaming via DigiPlus deal
Boxing icon and eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao’s payment platform is moving into the Philippines online gaming sector, after a new partnership with DigiPlus Interactive Corp. that integrates Manny Pay into betting and gaming platforms.
Announced on Wednesday, the deal positions Manny Pay as a transaction layer within DigiPlus’ ecosystem, which includes BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone.
Pacquiao said the decision to integrate Manny Pay was driven by a need for faster and safer transactions in gaming. “I want to give players a fast and safe way to handle their gaming funds,” he said.
The platform, operated by Traxion Pay and licensed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), is designed to support round-the-clock transactions. Marc Bundalian, President and CEO of Manny Pay, said the system targets 99.5 percent uptime and enables same-day settlements, moving from playing to managing gaming funds instantly.
Security, he added, remains central. “We are fully BSP-accredited and use industry-standard encryption and active monitoring to safeguard every transaction.”
Payments race heats up in local gaming
For DigiPlus, the tie-up is as much about infrastructure as it is about branding. “As the digital entertainment scene in the Philippines continues to evolve, our audience is seeking more than just games. They want authentic, narrative-driven experiences,” Eusebio Tanco, Chairman of DigiPlus, said.
Jasper Vicencio, AB Leisure Exponent and Total Gamezone Xtreme President, framed the deal as a step towards raising industry benchmarks. “This is a milestone for DigiPlus because having a global icon like Manny Pacquiao with our digital infrastructure shows that we are setting a higher standard for the industry,” he said. “It reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class entertainment that is innovative, deeply local, and trustworthy.”
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) requires licensed operators to use compliant payment channels. DigiPlus said all transactions across its platforms are processed through BSP-accredited systems. This required player balances to be protected by a surety bond of up to PHP1 million ($16,510) per verified account.
Pacquiao brand extends into gaming content
Aside from the payments integration, the partnership includes a slate of Pacquiao-themed games embedded across DigiPlus platforms. “I’m proud because these games are truly made for Filipinos. When they play, they’ll feel my fighting spirit,” Pacquiao said. “It’s world-class entertainment that tells my story.”
“We built a full lineup based on mechanics that are very popular in the market, then carefully paired them with visuals faithful to Manny Pacquiao’s success story as an athlete,” Vicencio said.
Partnership lands amid tighter regulatory focus
The deal comes as the Philippines sharpens its regulatory stance on online gaming, with policymakers pushing for stronger consumer protection and clearer rules.
Vicencio stressed that responsible gaming remains central to the company’s strategy. “This partnership bridges sporting excellence with technological integrity, ensuring our platforms are built around customer protection and responsible gaming,” he said.
Pacquiao echoed that position, pointing to shared goals between his ventures and DigiPlus. “We both want to give users an enjoyable and safe experience,” he said.
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