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Overview of Online Casino Industry in Asian Markets in 2022

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The Asian gambling market has accelerated since Covid 19 first opened residents’ eyes to online gambling. However, two years later, Asians are still limited in their online gambling pursuit for fun and profit due to the government’s heavy sanctions on online gambling.

Many offshore online casinos have noticed this untapped opportunity and are flocking in to fill the void. We have curated a list of offshore casinos for Singaporeans on our Online CasinoHEX Singapore website to help players make the right choice.

In this post, we want to discuss the current state of the Asian gambling market, emphasizing the online casinos in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan and Thailand. We hope it brings players and operators up to speed with the current gambling laws in those less talked about Asian regions. Let’s dive in.

1. Singapore

Singapore is among the top gambling spots in the Asian continent. The Singapore government has long opened two physical betting shops where residents can engage in horse betting, sports betting and lottery.

In 2005, the Singaporean government also introduced Integrated Resort (IR), where residents and foreigners can play different casino games.

According to the bill, only two IR casinos are permitted to open, and the slots have since been taken by the Marina Bay Sands and Resort World Sentosa. The authorization of legal casino spots proved to be a good experiment as the two resorts single-handedly increased the state budget by 14.5% in their first year of operation.

Despite the success of land-based casinos, the federal government is yet to legalize any online casino in Singapore. However, residents flock to various offshore online casinos in Singapore to gamble and have fun. Singaporean casino sites host various i-games. However, most Singaporeans tend to be drawn toward card games such as Baccarat and online slots.

The government does not currently discuss online casino legalization. Still, as a country that is always open to innovation, the authorization of online casinos in Singapore might be on the horizon.

2. Malaysia

The Malaysian population are predominantly Muslim, and sharia laws are well recognized in the country. According to sharia law, all forms of gambling (land-based and online) are prohibited.

However, the Betting Acts permits non-Muslims, foreigners and tourists to engage in lottery betting, horse racing and casino games in landed properties without sanction. The betting act also prohibits every form of online gambling in the country, with strict punishment for defaulters.

Despite the law, Malaysians still gamble online, with football and badminton forming a big part of Malaysian betting options.

3. Philippines

Philippine gambling laws are flexible and friendly. The state has at least four gambling resorts in Manila and permits online sports bettings, horse racing and lottery.

The country’s licensing and gambling activities are regulated by the duo of PAGCOR (Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation) and CEZA (Cagayan Economic Zone). PAGCOR is responsible for regulating local betting and bingo shops, while CEZA grants gambling licenses to offshore casinos in other regions.

As a testament to the flexibility of Philippines gambling laws, the Philippine government has opened its doors to regulated offshore casinos and even permits Filipinos to gamble online. All of these combined makes it surprising that the government does not legalize online casinos.

Even without online casinos, the Philippine casino industry has grown from strength to strength. According to Inside Asian gambling (iAG), 557m was generated by licensed casinos in the Philippines in Q1 of 2022, and the industry doesn’t look like it will slow down. 

The success of offshore casinos in the Philippines is an indication that the government may revisit the legalization of online casinos soon

4. Thailand

Thailand has everything it takes to be a major powerhouse in the Asian online casino and gambling market. Still, political and cultural beliefs have long stalled the growth of the country’s gambling sector.

Currently, Thailand has no legal casinos, and online casinos are illegal. But that has not stopped the residents from engaging in active casino gambling online and offline. A survey by the centre of gambling studies shows that nearly half of the Thais population gamble and that $5 billion was spent on sports betting alone in 2019.

Where there are no legal casinos, the black market and underground gambling always flourish, and Thailand’s 200 illegal betting shops are no different. The number of offshore casinos for Thais has also continued to increase.

As the government awakens to this reality, it has begun to take gradual steps to legalize casino gambling in the region, starting with establishing 2 to 3 Integrated Resorts. When casino resorts are commissioned, the government believes they will boost the state’s tourist revenue, which has dwindled since the Covid 19 lockdown. Similarly, landed casino resorts will create a regulated and safe gambling environment for Thai residents. Legalizing online casinos in Thailand is not on the horizon right now.

5. Japan

Online casinos are prohibited in Japan. Therefore, Japanese gamblers can choose among Pachinko, horse betting, motorcycle racing, and online lottery.

However, the Japanese government has since reconsidered its position on casino gambling. In 2018, following in the footsteps of Singapore, the Japanese government authorized the commissioning of Integrated Resort which will allow tourists to play casinos and sports betting in regulated spots.

The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed the progress of the landed casinos; however, the government has resumed the acceptance of proposals from interested organizations. While establishments of landed casinos don’t suggest the legalization of online casino gambling, it may be another win for the Asian gambling industry, seeing that Japan is a major trendsetter on the Asian continent.

Even though landed and online casinos are not allowed in Japan yet, the country’s betting market is estimated to reach $9b in 2022.

As you would expect, many offshore casinos where residents gamble online and play their choicest games, including slots. In place of Baccarat, the Japanese have Dragon Tiger, which enables players to wager on whether the Dragon or Tiger hand would win.

As a technology-savvy nation, it is also no surprise that the players are inclined towards live dealer games and titles enriched with crisp graphics. 

Conclusion

Pending the time the Asian gambling market becomes stable and regulated, operators preparing to enter the market must know that there will be periods of low revenues just as much as high turnover. However, they should find consolation in that Asia is poised to be the next frontier of online gambling when the government relaxes its laws.

So far, many Asian countries are decriminalizing casino gaming, a green light for online casinos and sports betting legalization. Current trends suggest that online slots, card games, table games and live dealers will likely dominate the Asian gambling scene. Until then, residents have to make do with betting on landed casinos, travelling to countries that permit online gambling or playing online casino games on offshore casinos.

Asia

SCCG Announces Strategic Partnership with Gridlogic

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SCCG Management, a premier advisory firm in the gaming industry with a global footprint and over 100 best-in-class client partners, announced a strategic partnership with Gridlogic, a leading Real Money Technology group and a pioneer in the iGaming industry. This partnership is set to enhance SCCG’s initiatives in the rapidly growing Indian gaming market, leveraging Gridlogic’s innovative technology solutions and artificial intelligence capabilities for player protection.

With Gridlogic’s reputation as one of India’s fastest-growing gaming technology companies, this collaboration marks a significant milestone in SCCG’s efforts to expand its global market entry and distribution of gaming products and platforms. Gridlogic, known for its next-generation technology and artificial intelligence applied to skill gaming, brings to the table a wealth of expertise and a robust portfolio of technology services that include gaming, data management and business transformation.

Stephen Crystal, Founder & CEO of SCCG Management, said: “Our alliance with Gridlogic represents a pivotal step forward in our mission to navigate the complexities of the global gaming landscape. Gridlogic’s innovative approach and technological prowess in the Indian market complement our strategic goals perfectly. Together, we are poised to unlock new opportunities and drive significant value for our stakeholders in one of the world’s most dynamic gaming markets.”

Pariekshit Maddishetty, Founder of Gridlogic, said: “Partnering with SCCG Management is a landmark moment for us at Gridlogic. Their global perspective and deep industry insights align seamlessly with our vision of revolutionizing the gaming sector through technology and artificial intelligence. This partnership not only strengthens our position in the Indian market but also accelerates our journey towards becoming a global leader in gaming technology solutions.”

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Asia

PAGCOR TURNS OVER PHP4.59-B CASH DIVIDENDS TO STATE TREASURY

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THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) today remitted a total of Php4.59 billion in cash dividends to the National Treasury to help fund the national government’s efforts in ensuring the country’s sustained economic growth and development.

The latest remittance represents 75% of PAGCOR’s net income in calendar year 2023. It is higher than the usual 50% remittance pursuant to the request of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto to PAGCOR to advance an additional 25% dividend to fund government expenditures.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the state gaming firm’s robust earnings from gaming operations enabled it to book Php79.37 billion in gross revenues and net earnings of Php6.13 billion in 2023 as dividend base, paving the way for a higher dividend rate declaration.

“Our remarkable income performance in 2023 set the stage for this higher dividend contribution to the national government, and this epitomizes not just financial success but our unwavering commitment to national development,” Chairman Tengco said.

The dividend declaration consists of Php3.06 billion or 50% of PAGCOR’s 2023 net earnings plus an advanced 25% or Php1.53 billion which may be applied to future dividend remittances.

The dividend check was received by Deputy National Treasurer Eduardo Anthony Mariño III during simple ceremonies at the new PAGCOR Executive Office in Pasay City.

Mariño said the higher remittance from PAGCOR would help set in motion the administration’s socioeconomic agenda as the country is coming from a challenging year where it found difficulty achieving growth targets due to inflation.

“Every peso of this latest remittance from PAGCOR is directly translatable to additional expenditure which can help accelerate growth. This would certainly empower the national government in initiating transformative change this year,” he explained.

The remittance by government owned and controlled corporations or GOCCs of at least 50 percent of their net earnings to the National Government is mandated under Republic Act (RA) No. 7656, otherwise known as the Dividends Law

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SOFTSWISS is Best Platform Solution in Asia

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SOFTSWISS is Best Platform Solution in Asia
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SOFTSWISS, an international tech company with over 15 years of experience in iGaming, celebrates its resounding success in Asia, triumphing in two categories at the Asia Gaming Awards. 

The Asia Gaming Awards convenes key stakeholders from the Asian gaming sector – operators, regulators, suppliers, and service providers – to celebrate achievements within the industry. In 2024, SOFTSWISS earned recognition in the categories of Best One-Stop Platform Solution and Best Affiliate Marketing Solution.

With over 15 years of experience in the iGaming industry, SOFTSWISS crafted a robust ecosystem of products that allows its clients to create an iGaming business from scratch. Having a complete range of products and solutions for online gaming and betting, SOFTSWISS also offers innovative tools for player engagement and a comprehensive system of services.

Over 860 brands employ SOFTSWISS’ software to provide an exceptional player experience to more than six million players from different regions all over the world. Notably, 80% of SOFTSWISS clients are satisfied with the company’s products and services, according to a survey conducted by the leading marketing agency Kantar.

Vitali Matsukevich, Chief Operating Officer at SOFTSWISS, shares his delight: “SOFTSWISS is proud to acquire the esteemed Best One-Stop Platform Solution Award, which testifies to the outstanding contributions of our company to the development of the Asian gaming industry. We express our earnest gratitude to our dedicated team for their tireless efforts and our valued clients for their trust, pivotal to our success.”

Another well-deserved award belongs to Affilka by SOFTSWISS, a modular and feature-rich software platform which helps manage, track, and analyse affiliate performance. 

According to Kantar’s survey, held at the end of 2023, Affilka’s customer satisfaction rate was 8.1 out of 10. At the same time, 97% of respondents expressed satisfaction with Affilka’s service.

Boasting a client’s portfolio of more than 320 iGaming brands in 2023, the affiliate marketing platform shows almost two times YoY growth in affiliate GGR.  

Anastasia Borovaya, Head of Affilka by SOFTSWISS, comments on the recent victory: “We are proud to achieve this recognition in the Asian gaming market. Our team puts a lot of effort into constantly evolving product performance. Let this accolade fuel our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence, driving us forward as we continue to serve our clients with the highest standards of quality and service.”

Since the beginning of the year SOFTSWISS has already gained such prestigious accolades as Responsible Gaming, Crypto Company, Platform Provider, Software Supplier, and others. The esteemed awards, namely IGA, GGA EMEA, SiGMA Eurasia, EGR Nordics, SiGMA Africa, Asia Gaming Awards stand as obvious recognition of SOFTSWISS’ significant contribution to the iGaming industry all over the world. 

 

About SOFTSWISS 

SOFTSWISS is an international tech company supplying software solutions for managing iGaming projects. The expert team, which counts over 2,000 employees, is based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides one-stop-shop iGaming software solutions. The company has a vast product portfolio, including the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with thousands of casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS was the first in the world to introduce a Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution.

 

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