The DigiPlus Interactive Corporation, with its social development arm, BingoPlus Foundation, has launched the “Pusta de Peligro” campaign, pioneering a responsible gaming initiative to empower Filipino players with the knowledge and tools to make better choices in their gaming experiences. This campaign leverages the relatable term Petsa de Peligro—which reflects the need to be prudent before paydays in the Philippines as a metaphor for moments when players must exercise caution and discipline in their gaming.

The Pusta de Peligro campaign aligns DigiPlus Interactive with the efforts of PAGCOR in promoting responsible gaming and playing with a trusted operator, demonstrating a shared commitment to keeping gaming safe and enjoyable. A three-pronged approach to prevention, education and intervention anchors the campaign’s objective to teach Filipinos how to know the risks, set limits and get the right support.

Last November 14, DigiPlus and BingoPlus Foundation held the “Tamang Laro, Tamang Panalo! Wais Tips for Pusta de Peligro Moments” hybrid talk show in its headquarters in front of over 200 audiences on-site and online.

The show was split into two sessions with the first one being the “Tamang Laro” episode–Teresita Cambe-Castillo, licensed psychologist, chairperson of the board of Seagulls Flock Organisation and International Gambling Certification Board member, discussed how to spot the signs of excessive gaming and provide mental health support for oneself or others.

In the afternoon, proven financial guru Armand Bengco led the conversation in the “Tamang Panalo” episode, teaching the viewers how to continue winning by knowing how to handle money, build an entertainment fund and spend responsibly.

The “Tamang Laro, Tamang Panalo!” hybrid talk show is proof that DigiPlus, through BingoPlus Foundation, is committed to advancing an education campaign that goes beyond reminders on responsible gaming habits, but also gives actionable, practical tips to better manage their entertainment fund through financial literacy learning sessions, and spot the signs and provide psychological first aid for excessive gaming.

“We’re committed to more than just delivering exciting digital entertainment. With Pusta de Peligro, we’re taking responsibility to help players be mindful, enjoy responsibly, and stay financially aware,” said Rafael Jasper Vicencio, Director of DigiPlus Interactive and President of AB Leisure Exponent and Total GameZone Xtreme, the operator of BingoPlus Stores and developer of its beloved games.

Celeste Jovenir, COO of BingoPlus Foundation and Vice President of DigiPlus Interactive, said: “Pusta de Peligro is just the beginning. We are committed to setting the bar as a responsible industry leader, helping Filipinos navigate gaming wisely, for truly enjoyable and rewarding experiences with us.”

International iGaming company MelBet has appointed Sherlyn Chopra, one of India’s famous and glamorous actresses, as its new brand ambassador.

As a brand ambassador, Sherlyn would be involved in creating exclusive content and promoting MelBet in international markets.

Sherlyn Chopra is known for her significant success in the film and television industry. Her work, including her role in the psychological thriller, Red Swastik, made her popular in India. Sherlyn is actively involved in showbiz and continues to expand her horizons by doing popular web-series, music albums, short films, launching glamour and style apps and other creative projects.

“I am incredibly excited to become a part of the MelBet family. Sports are more than just games or competitions as they unequivocally bring people together. I am proud to contribute to its popularisation with such a reliable partner. MelBet is not just about gaming, casinos, or sports. It is about team spirit towards involvement in the games, followed by highs and lows which are inevitable in the pursuit of success and victory. MelBet is an experience that brings us closer as a community and in setting our goals and achieving them. I am looking forward to starting our collaborative journey and the opportunities that we can create and explore for our growing game lovers,” Sherlyn Chopra said.

With this appointment, Sheryln joins other leading names, who represent MelBet in India and globally. MelBet believes that with her fearless approach to pushing boundaries, she embodies the innovative spirit that MelBet values – which led to her appointment. This partnership is expected to strengthen MelBet’s connection with sports enthusiasts, gamers and those passionate about the game, opening up new opportunities for clients and helping to further expand the brand’s reach across South Asia.

The inaugural King Pro League Grand Finals 2024, the biggest esports event in China, drew more than 30,000 fans to a sold-out Beijing Workers’ Stadium on Nov 16. A delegation from Savvy Games and the Esports World Cup Foundation also joined the iconic event hosted by Chinese tech giant Tencent and the largest esports company in Asia, Hero Esports (formerly known as VSPO).

HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Vice Chairman of Savvy Games Group (Savvy); Brian Ward, CEO of Savvy; and Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, attended the tournament where two top Chinese esports teams competed for the inaugural Holy Dragon Cup and a record prize pool.

A total of 70 million rmb ($9.8 million) was awarded to the top 12 teams who advanced through the rounds of the six-week-long tournament. The final showdown was between Chengdu All Gamers and Chongqing Wolves, where Chengdu All Gamers emerged victorious in a best-of-seven series and took home 22 million rmb ($3.1 million) in prize money.

King Pro League, the premier esports league for Tencent’s hit game Honor of Kings, is the biggest esports league in Asia. Honor of Kings is the world’s most popular mobile game with more than 100 million daily players. Hero Esports has been the organizer of KPL tournaments since the league was first launched in 2016.

This year marks the inaugural KPL Grand Finals, which replaces the Honor of Kings International Championship for Chinese Honor of Kings competitors and features the top teams from across China, one of the biggest esports markets in the world with the most players. Events were held at arenas in Chengdu, Hangzhou and Changsha, with the Grand Finals event being held in Beijing.

The popularity of esports is growing rapidly around the world, encouraged by government support in a number of countries and new products and technology. According to a Frost & Sullivan Report, the market size of the esports gaming industry has experienced a significant increase at a CAGR of 15.2% from US$29.8 billion in 2017 to US$52.6 billion in 2021, and is expected to increase further at a CAGR of 12.1% from US$57.9 billion in 2022 to US$102.4 billion in 2027.

The report also shows that the number of gamers globally has experienced a significant increase at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2.3 billion in 2017 to 3.1 billion in 2021, and is expected to further increase at a CAGR of 5.5% from 3.3 billion in 2022 to 4.3 billion in 2027.

Danny Tang, CEO and Co-Founder of Hero Esports, commented: “Hero Esports is proud to have been a part of the first King Pro League Grand Finals, which is an example of the high calibre esports tournaments that fans and players everywhere deserve. The strong enthusiasm we’ve seen for this event in its first year is a testament to the significant growth of interest in this sport and the support of our high-profile sponsors. The atmosphere in the arena was electric and we congratulate the Chengdu All Gamers in winning the inaugural Holy Dragon Cup.”

Hero Esports, formerly known as VSPO, is a leading player in the global esports industry, collaborating with major game developers and global brands and organizing tournaments for players and fans across the world. It is the biggest esports tournament operator in Asia, having hosted 86 tournaments in the region in 2023, of which 62 were in China, compared with a total of 77 tournaments in 2020, of which three were overseas. The company recently announced the Esports Asian Champions League (ACL), Asia’s new premier international esports tournament featuring multiple titles.

Sponsors of the King Pro League Grand Finals 2024 include Meituan, Snapdragon and SAIC Volkswagen and iQOO.