Asia
Live casino games — the future of the Asian iGaming market
As the gambling industry shifts online, so is a huge portion of Asia’s massive population of gamblers. Online slots and lotteries are as popular as anywhere else, but one product outstrips all others in Asian gamblers’ eyes: live dealer games.
Assessing the potential of the Asian audience, Slotegrator, a gambling software developer with 10 years of experience in the industry, paid special attention and created a line of solutions for the needs of Eastern markets. Thanks to cooperation with leading providers of gambling content, the developer managed to improve the quality and attractiveness of slots focused on Asia. Slotegrator makes sure that the games presented on the operators’ sites include local dealers and offers the most popular gambling content in the East.
How it works
Live casino games let players feel like they’re in a real land-based casino. The broadcast is conducted from a studio with an interior that resembles the luxurious halls of land-based gambling establishments. They are equipped with tables and modern technology that provides amazing sound and picture quality. Wide-angle HD cameras are strategically placed throughout the studio, some of them filming at maximum zoom. This allows players to easily observe what is happening on the table and in the room.
Professional croupiers or specially trained TV presenters serve as live dealers, running the game and chatting with users in a friendly manner. As a result, the player receives a high-quality broadcast, the atmosphere of a real casino, and an exciting game. Anyone can join the table or play privately, at any time and from anywhere.
Live dealer games deliver players an increased level of comfort. One recent example of their advantages was how during the pandemic, live casino customers could play and communicate with other users online without risking their health, providing a much-needed social outlet.
In recent years, there has been a tendency in Asia for experienced players to move to online casinos with live dealers. Players value the emotional security that dealer support provides. Through the screen — just like in a real game — they answer questions from users and help them. This interaction gives a sense of control and legitimacy, increasing trust.
Which live games are popular in Asia?
The Asian market was one of the first to embrace live dealer games. Initially, Asian players didn’t trust the RNG mechanism which was responsible for the outcome of slot games, and needed something more transparent. Live games have become a great alternative — the random number generator doesn’t hold a candle to a real person dealing the cards. The most popular games in Asia are Live Dragon Tiger, Baccarat, and Super Sic Bo. They are run by dealers dressed in Asian style, in an environment with a design inspired by the culture of Asia.
Simple and dynamic, Dragon Tiger comes from Cambodia. According to its rules, two cards are dealt: a dragon and a tiger. The winner is determined by the highest card. The player can bet on the dragon, on the tiger, or on a draw. He also has the opportunity to make additional bets.
Baccarat is considered to be one of the easiest live games to play, often preferred by users who are used to betting big. The pace of this online live dealer game is just as fast-paced and exciting as in a land-based casino.
Super Sic Bo is a famous ancient Chinese dice game. Today, three dice are used in Sic Bo. The rules of the game give users many opportunities for betting, and respectively, a wide range of payouts.
Why Asian operators choose live games
Today, with almost any game available on the iGaming content market, it is difficult for an operator to know what to choose for their platform. Nevertheless, there are more and more arguments in favor of games with live dealers:
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According to a study by GSMA Intelligence, by 2030, 72% of the world’s population will communicate online. Like the rest of our lives, online gambling will also continue to move online.
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Live dealer games increase operators’ reach, appealing to older players used to the traditional casino experience and younger players who live most of their lives online already anyway.
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Live dealer game developers are among the industry’s most innovative, constantly coming up with newer and more creative variations of classic games to make sure there’s always something exciting for players to try.
After deciding to launch an online platform, operators should consider the possibility of equipping it with flexible systems that are compatible with a variety of payment methods, the mechanics of adding gambling content, and much more. Slotegrator’s many years of experience gives the company’s specialists the opportunity to advise start-up entrepreneurs on all issues of launching an online casino platform, as well as provide recommendations to experienced players in the Asian market.
Asia
India’s top gamers Jonathan & TechnoGamerz to face off in eFootball showdown at DreamHack India 2024
Two of Indian esports and gaming’s biggest personalities, Jonathan Amaral (Jonathan) and Ujjwal Chaurasia (TechnoGamerz) are all set to lock horns in an electrifying clash of eFootball at DreamHack India 2024 which will be taking place at the Hitex Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad from November 15 to 17.
Having consistently made his mark in national as well as international tournaments, Jonathan is celebrated not only as one of India’s top esports athletes but also as a prominent content creator, with 6.5 million subscribers on YouTube. TechnoGamerz, on the other hand, stands as one of the biggest gaming creators globally, with an impressive 43.2 million YouTube subscribers.
This match-up, bringing together two icons of the Indian gaming ecosystem on the virtual pitch will be one for the ages. Fans of both stars can expect an intense display of skill, strategy, and passion for the game as both gamers compete for glory.
In addition to the exhibition match, Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. (KONAMI), the leading video game developer and publisher from Japan will also be hosting other exciting activities at the eFootball zone at DreamHack India 2024. These will include:
- 1v1 Matches: Attendees will be able to test their skills against friends and other players in thrilling 1v1 eFootball matches.
- Game Demonstrations: An in-depth look at eFootball through live demonstrations led by Konami’s gaming gurus. The one-stop spot to gather valuable insights and pro tips to elevate your gameplay in eFootball.
- Trivia Challenges: Put your knowledge to the test with trivia challenges that will run throughout the event, offering participants a chance to win exciting rewards.
- Crowd Engagement Activities: Real-life football activities like juggling and dribbling challenges to bring the stadium experience to the Hitex Exhibition Centre floor.
- Influencer Visits and Exhibition Matches: A line-up of top influencers will stop by for exhibition matches, fan meet-and-greets, and exclusive gaming sessions, keeping the energy high throughout the event.
- Exclusive Merchandise Giveaways: From trivia and 1v1 matches to game demonstrations, every activity gives participants a chance to win limited-edition eFootball merchandise.
Whether you’re looking to cheer on your favorite star, learn new techniques, or grab some amazing merch, the eFootball zone at DreamHack India is the place to be.
This year’s DreamHack India is all about passion, competition, and community, and Konami is proud to bring fans closer to the world of eFootball than ever before.
Asia
PBBM Orders Immediate Ban Against All PH POGO Operations
Citing risks posed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) operations in the country, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 74 imposing an immediate ban on offshore and internet gaming in the country.
In issuing the EO 74, President Marcos said “the State has the paramount duty to safeguard national security, maintain public order, uphold the rule of law, protect the safety of its citizens, and ensure the integrity of the social fabric of the nation.”
“…In pursuit of such duty, an unequivocal ban of POGO/IGL operations was pronounced during the State of the Nation Address on 22 July 2024.”
The EO cited the Department of Finance (DOF) study in saying that POGO activities significantly outweigh the economic and social benefits derived from the POGO industry because of the risks and negative consequences such as increased crime rates, social instability and exploitation of vulnerable people associated with them.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Report also indicated POGOs have been identified as susceptible to money laundering, fraud and other illicit financial activities, and therefore pose substantial threats to the integrity of the national financial system.
“The high reputational risks associated with POGO/IGL operations deter foreign investment and tourism, undermining the efforts of the National Government in promoting the country as a safe and sustainable investment and tourism destination,” the EO stated.
The President’s order, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Nov. 5, will cover Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators and Offshore Gaming Operations and Services.
All POGOs/IGLs and other offshore gaming operations and other offshore gaming-related/auxiliary/ancillary services with issued licenses, permits are expected to completely cease operations, including the winding up of their affairs, on December 31, 2024 or earlier.
And to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy, Technical Working Groups (TWGs) will be created. The TWG on Employment Recovery and Reintegration will address the impact of the foregoing ban on the affected sectors of the economy and ensure the reintegration of displaced Filipino workers.
This will also involve the provision of assistance and safety nets which include upskilling and reskilling programmes to ensure displaced workers could find new jobs.
The President also issued directives to national government agencies in response to the immediate POGO operations prohibition.
He wants the Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and other law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts against illegal POGOs/GLs and other offshore gaming operations and services.
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) was instructed to assist the TWG on Anti-Illegal Offshore Gaming Operations in securing the cooperation of homeowners associations to ensure the non-proliferation of POGO/IGL and other offshore gaming operations and services in subdivisions, condominiums and other real estate developments.
Asia
Nazara integrates with ONDC Network to Launch “gCommerce” in India, Unlocking a new era of In-Game Monetization
Nazara Technologies Limited, a leading diversified gaming and sports media platform, and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) are proud to announce their integration to launch “gCommerce” – an innovative in-game monetization platform that seamlessly integrates e-commerce within games.
The integration aims to address a persistent challenge for Indian game developers: low in-app purchase (IAP) conversion rates and poor yields from advertising. Through gCommerce, Nazara and ONDC Network are reimagining game monetization by leveraging India’s thriving e-commerce landscape and providing developers with new, scalable revenue streams.
This strategic integration will allow game developers to monetize through an affiliate revenue-sharing model, earning a commission on every successful transaction initiated by players through the gCommerce platform.
Creating Value for Developers and Gamers
ONDC Network’s expertise in creating an open, interoperable network for digital commerce will enable Nazara’s gCommerce platform to connect with a wide range of sellers across more than 10 categories, ensuring a rich diversity of product offering for gamers. This integration enhances the user experience by allowing them to make informed purchases while they continue their gaming journey.
“We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of gCommerce by Nazara via integration with the ONDC Network, as it represents a significant step forward in our mission to empower game developers with effective and innovative monetization solutions,” said Nitish Mittersain, CEO of Nazara Technologies. “We are not only creating new revenue opportunities for developers but also enriching the overall experience for our gamers.”
T Koshy, CEO of ONDC, added, “Nazara coming on ONDC Network to launch gCommerce is a testament to the versatility of the Network in supporting various industries and use cases. By bringing e-commerce into the gaming ecosystem, we are paving the way for a seamless blend of entertainment and shopping that adds value for players, developers, and the broader digital commerce network.”
The gCommerce platform is currently in soft launch and will be rolled out to game developers starting Q1, FY26.
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