In a bold move shaking up the Philippine digital gaming scene, Comtrade Gaming has joined forces with DigiPlus Interactive to supercharge ArenaPlus, the top sportsbook platform. This partnership comes at a crucial time as the market faces tight rules and fast growth, promising better tech and user fun. But what does this mean for players and the industry? Dive in for the full story.
Comtrade Gaming, a Slovenian tech firm known for strong iGaming solutions, signed a key agreement with DigiPlus Interactive on November 11, 2025. The deal focuses on powering ArenaPlus, DigiPlus’s main sports betting and entertainment brand in the Philippines.
Under this setup, Comtrade will blend its advanced platform into ArenaPlus. Work on this integration started right away, as shared in an official statement. The goal is clear: make ArenaPlus more scalable, stable, and ready for strict rules while keeping users hooked.
This tie-up marks a big win for both sides, with Comtrade’s tech set to handle ArenaPlus’s quick rise in a booming market.
DigiPlus, listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange, runs popular platforms like BingoPlus and ArenaPlus. These cater to folks over 21, as required by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). The partnership aims to solidify ArenaPlus as a leader in digital sports fun.
One standout feature of Comtrade’s platform is its focus on player retention. It offers tools for better engagement, like smooth betting options across global leagues such as the Philippine Basketball Association and the National Basketball Association.
How This Fits into Philippines’ Gaming Boom
The Philippine online gaming world is exploding, but it’s not without hurdles. Recent changes in rules have hit companies hard, including DigiPlus. For instance, in the third quarter of 2025, DigiPlus reported a 59 percent drop in net income to about 1.71 billion Philippine pesos, or roughly 29.1 million U.S. dollars. This came from tighter online gambling laws, as noted in industry reports.
Despite these challenges, the market keeps growing. Analysts from Maybank predict an 18 percent yearly growth in DigiPlus’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization from 2025 to 2028. That’s a strong sign of rebound potential.
The Comtrade partnership steps in here, offering tech that helps ArenaPlus stay compliant and grow steadily amid these shifts.
This deal isn’t just about tech upgrades. It supports ArenaPlus’s push into new areas, like better user experiences and handling more traffic. With the Philippines’ digital entertainment sector heating up, such moves could help operators like DigiPlus navigate regulatory waves.
Players might see direct perks too. Think faster bets, more secure play, and features tailored to local tastes, all while meeting PAGCOR standards.

Voices from the Top on the Collaboration
Leaders from both companies are buzzing about the partnership. Steven Valentine, Chief Commercial Officer at Comtrade Gaming, called it a “significant strategic achievement.”
He pointed out that DigiPlus picked Comtrade after a tough review. “Their rigorous platform evaluation validated the capabilities of our iGaming platform, particularly its scalability, stability, compliance readiness, and strong emphasis on player retention and experience,” Valentine said.
On the DigiPlus side, Erick Su, head of ArenaPlus, shared similar excitement. He noted how Comtrade’s custom solutions match their goals for top-notch digital fun.
These statements highlight a shared vision: building a stronger, more engaging platform for Filipino users.
This isn’t Comtrade’s first rodeo in gaming tech. The company has a track record of helping operators worldwide scale up. For DigiPlus, which has been expanding fast since launching ArenaPlus in February 2023, this could be the boost needed to lead the pack.
Industry watchers see this as part of a bigger trend. More tech providers are eyeing Asia’s growing markets, where digital betting is on the rise despite rule changes.
What Lies Ahead for ArenaPlus and the Market
Looking forward, this partnership could reshape how sports betting works in the Philippines. ArenaPlus plans to use Comtrade’s tools to boost user numbers and keep things running smooth during peak times, like major basketball events.
But challenges remain. The government has pushed for stricter controls on online gambling, leading to stock dips for firms like DigiPlus. In July 2025, their shares fell sharply amid calls for bans or tougher laws.
Still, positive steps are happening. DigiPlus recently teamed up with Philippine First Insurance for the country’s first surety bond program for online players, launched in September 2025. This protects users and builds trust.
Here’s a quick look at key recent moves by DigiPlus:
- Partnered with Bayad in October 2025 for easier over-the-counter payments.
- Expanded insurance options to safeguard gamers.
- Set eyes on Brazil market entry in September 2025.
These efforts show DigiPlus adapting to rules while growing. With Comtrade’s tech, ArenaPlus might handle more users and offer fresh features, like live betting on volleyball leagues.
One thing is sure: this deal puts tech at the heart of gaming’s future here. It could inspire other operators to seek similar upgrades, sparking more innovation.
| Key Platform Features | Benefits for ArenaPlus |
|---|---|
| Scalability | Handles rapid user growth without crashes |
| Compliance Tools | Meets PAGCOR standards easily |
| Player Engagement | Boosts retention with fun, personalized options |
| Stability | Ensures smooth performance during big events |
This table breaks down how Comtrade’s tech directly helps ArenaPlus thrive.
As the digital gaming landscape evolves, partnerships like this one between Comtrade Gaming and DigiPlus Interactive stand out as smart plays to tackle growth pains and regulatory pressures head-on. They promise a brighter, more secure future for sports betting fans in the Philippines, blending cutting-edge tech with local needs.








