World boxing champ Manny Pacquiao has inked a deal with Philippines iGaming platform DigiPlus to launch a new series of games expressly for Filipino punters.
Known for popular iGaming platforms including BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone, DigiPlus called the development a “new round” for Philippines-based digital entertainment, delivering “a powerhouse ecosystem designed to elevate the Filipino player experience”.
The collection includes nine Pacquiao-themed titles, “carefully designed to reflect Pacquiao’s achievements and indomitable fighting spirit”. Flagship games include Super Ace Pacquiao, Pacquiao Fortune and Fortune Gems Pacquiao.
Pacquiao will also act as “the new face of DigiPlus’ premier sportsbook and elite card and table game tournament hub”, the company added.
Leveraging the name value of a sports icon
Pacquiao is the sole eight-division world champion in boxing history and a Philippines national idol. Known in the ring as “Pacman”, he served in the Philippines senate from 2016 to 2022. He then campaigned for the presidency, losing in 2023 to Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
But the Pacquiao name still packs a punch. DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco said the fresh collaboration combines “the legendary story of our boxing hero with robust technological infrastructure, [for] an innovative, secure and truly local experience”. It will make DigiPlus and its platforms the first official gaming partners of MannyPay, a Pacquiao-branded payment platform licensed by the Philippines Central Bank.
“This partnership with DigiPlus is special because it was created with our countrymen in mind,” said Pacquiao. “Whether it is through the games that tell my story or handling payments with MannyPay, we are showing the world what Filipinos are capable of.”
Marjorie Preston
Marjorie began her gaming career in 2007 and has focused on Asian gaming markets since 2020. Outside of work, she writes about travel and film and plays the drums.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/casino-games/boxing-legend-manny-pacquaio-digiplus-launch-branded-digital-game-series-aimed-at-filipinos/
