Driving Growth through Facility Upgrades Strategic Expansion into Online Gaming
HONG KONG SAR -
Media OutReach Newswire - 28 August 2026 -
International Entertainment Corporation (the "
Company", together with its subsidiaries, the "
Group";
HKEX stock code: 1009), is pleased to announce that its revenue grew by
approximately 50.6% period-on-period to approximately HK$852.5 million
for the twelve months ended 30 June 2026 (the "
Period"), demonstrating resilience and adaptability in a dynamic market environment.
The Group's revenue from the gaming operation for the Period increased
by approximately 60.7% to approximately HK$819.4 million. However, due
to the temporary closure of certain hotel rooms for renovation during
the Period, the Group's hotel operation revenue was down to
approximately HK$33.1 million, as compared with HK$56.2 million for the
twelve months ended 30 June 2025 (the "
Previous Period").
Meanwhile, the Group's gross profit recorded a notable growth of
approximately 66.4% to approximately HK$454.6 million. The increase was
driven by higher gaming revenue arising from both land-based casino
operation and provision of gaming platform to other authorised gaming
operators. Gross profit margin for the Period was approximately 53.3%,
up 5.0 percentage points from approximately 48.3% for the Previous
Period.
The Group narrowed its loss for the period attributable to owners of the
Company by approximately 78.2% as compared with that for the Previous
Period, if excluding the non-cash loss arising from the change in fair
value in connection with the issue of convertible notes.
Loss for the period attributable to owners of the Company was
approximately HK$486.4 million (Previous Period: approximately HK$282.1
million).
Future Outlook
Underpinned by the Philippines' strategic position in Southeast Asia,
supportive government policies for its gaming and tourism sectors, and
its rising status as a premier travel destination, the Group is
optimistic about its long-term prospects, though short-term momentum in
the Philippine gaming sector may soften due to geopolitical tensions and
muted consumer spending.
The Group marked a pivotal milestone in its strategic expansion into
online gaming through a cooperation agreement signed on 9 June 2026
between its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, New Coast Leisure Inc.,
and Total Gamezone Xtreme Incorporated, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Group's convertible note holder DigiPlus Interactive Corp ("DigiPlus").
Under the agreement, the two parties will collaborate on the
integration, aggregation, provision, technical support, and operation of
approved online games and related gaming content through or in
connection with the online gaming platform and operations of the Group's
casino "LaVie Resort & Casino Manila", subject to regulatory
approvals. Participation in this segment is expected to broaden the
Group's revenue base, improve operational scalability, and create new
growth drivers.
Additionally, the completion of renovation works on the Casino's ground
floor in January 2026 successfully expanded the gaming space, enabling
the accommodation of more gaming tables as well as additional slot
machines. Further to the phase 1 and phase 2 construction works
initiated last year, the Group entered into a new construction contract
for the Hotel in May 2026 at the contract price of approximately
HK$72.17 million, which will continue to improve the appearance and
condition of hotel facilities, modernise outdated amenities, enhance the
overall quality of the Hotel and elevate customers' experiences. These
improvements are expected to improve the future revenue of the Casino
and the Hotel.
Separately, the Group issued the first convertible notes on 3 March 2026
and second convertible notes on 2 June 2026 to DigiPlus, each with a
principal amount of HK$800 million. This completion follows the
subscription agreement signed between the two parties on 17 November
2025 for the issuance of up to HK$1.6 billion convertible notes with a
maturity of five years and an interest rate of 3% per annum. The
issuance is expected to significantly bolster the Group's liquidity and
long-term financial position. Furthermore, the potential conversion of
these convertible notes into shares would serve to broaden the Group's
Shareholders and capital base.
Looking ahead, the Group is strategically positioned to capture the next
phase of growth in the Philippine gaming and tourism sectors. The
convergence of the Group's Hotel and Casino upgrades and a strategic
partnership to tap into the expanding online gaming market marks a
transformative period for the Group. Supported by a strengthened capital
structure and strong regulatory tailwinds, the Group remains confident
in its ability to drive sustainable revenue growth and deliver long-term
value to its Shareholders.