Asia
Online Casino Market in Japan
It’s no news that the online casino industry has been one of the biggest industries in the last two decades, with billions of dollars annually. From Vegas to Singapore, to Malta, to the United Kingdom and Macau, the online casino is now part of the everyday lifestyle of some people. At the outset of the industry, its current wave wasn’t really envisioned to take place so quickly. However, it will be safe to say that the industry has taken all of us by storm.
One of such revelations that have swept industry enthusiasts and patrons off their feet is the online casino market of Japan. This market is expanding and becoming as big as the rest of the world’s casino industry. There are so excellent online casino facilities in Japan. Manekinecasino was one of the first foreign-owned casinos to indicate interest in the Japanese casino market. We have you covered with all the relevant details relating to the Japanese online casino market and where to begin yourself.
The legality of Online Casinos in Japan
At the moment, online casinos are on strict restrictions and are generally prohibited at best. The restriction also relates to physical casino outlets operating in Japan, as they are considered illegal. However, lotteries are legal alongside betting on motorcycle racing, horse racing, powerboat racing, bicycle racing, betting on J-League Soccer Toto games. Another widely popular and accepted casino-like outlet in Japan is the Pachinko Parlor that has well over 20,000 outlets across Japan.
Pachinko is an arcade game that requires skill and is very well accepted amongst players of the 15 to 35 age bracket. Pachinko in itself is not up gambling, but it has been manipulated into a gambling game, while the authorities do almost nothing to prosecute gamblers. Pachinko has annual revenue running into billions of dollars generated from players, not taxes.
Just like the government is aware of Pachinko gambling, it is also mindful of online casino gambling by Japanese at foreign casino sites. Even though it’s generally illegal to operate online casinos in the country, a vast chunk of the Japanese population plays online casinos at several offshore sites. Even with the knowledge of this, the authorities don’t block access to these sites form Japan. This has resulted in varied opinions as to the position of the authorities regarding online casinos in recent times.
The Current Position of the Law
Having carried out several reviews of the existent laws on gambling, particularly online casinos, the Japanese government is finally giving the nod to online casinos. Accordingly, the Japanese lawmakers recently passed the Casino Bill that seeks to legalize and legitimize land-based casinos and online casinos in Japan. In April 2020, the parliament commenced a legislative process for enacting the Casino Implementation Bill, which will give full powers to relevant authorities to regulate the industry.
Among other things, the Implementation Bill will stipulate control measures for casino operators, licensing guidelines and eligibility, taxation, promote responsible gambling practices, et al. It is estimated that the industry will take off with full throttle in 2023, with over 20 billion dollars to be realized by 2030. Therefore, all reasonable indications point to the government’s approval regarding online and land-based casinos in Japan.
How Big is the Japanese Online Casino Market?
Against the backdrop of government casino enactments, some casino and gambling analysts carried out several surveys on the Japanese market. The results of their studies all indicate that the online casino market in Japan is one of the best in the world. For instance, in a 2019 report by Sanford Bernstein, it was reported that the Japanese casino market would be the third-largest in the world, with revenues of 8 billion dollars per annum. This means that Japan will follow behind Macau and the United States, who already occupy first and second places, respectively.
In the same vein, a report by Global Market Advisors suggests that by 2030, the Japanese online casino market will rake in a staggering 24.2 billion dollars per annum. This indicates how far the Japanese market can offer to the online casino and iGaming world upon commencement of casino licensing.
What the Online Casino Market Entails for All Parties Involved
With no more than 6 locations under consideration for land-based casinos to operate in Japan, online casinos will be more in number, for obvious reasons. With the casino gold mine to be realized in Japan, the relevant authorities are bound to generate revenues through taxes on winnings. Licensing of casinos, as well as tourist growth, will all be driven by the market. In light of the boom, some parts of East Asia might also consider easing up their gambling laws to accommodate online casinos.
On their part, Casinos will make substantial fortunes operating in the Japanese market, given how much ripe the market is. Asides outright profits, they can also understudy other markets for expansion purposes.
With respect to players, they stand a chance of making as much money as their luck and expertise can bring them. So, the Japanese market is indeed a golden opportunity for all parties involved to realize some profits.
Asia
BETBY PARTNERS WITH SABA SPORTS TO DELIVER ESPORTS CONTENT THROUGH BETBY GAMES
BETBY strengthens its Asian position with agreement to power leading brand SABA Sports
Premium sportsbook provider BETBY has entered into a strategic partnership with renowned sports gaming supplier SABA Sports, marking a significant step in bringing BETBY’s award-winning esports feature, BETBY Games, to the Asian-facing market.
The partnership with SABA Sports, the largest sports betting provider in Asia, will kick off with the integration of NBA focused eBasketball content in its esports portfolio. Going forward SABA Sports will be expanding its e-sim offering with additional BETBY Games titles, which are renowned to increase player engagement through fast-betting content designed for the next generation of players.
“This partnership with SABA represents an important milestone for BETBY as we expand our footprint into the Asian market,” said Chris Nikolopoulos, BETBY’s Chief Commercial Officer. “SABA’s exceptional market presence and reputation make them an ideal partner to bring BETBY Games content to life for operators across the region. Together, we aim to deliver unparalleled esports experiences and redefine how players engage with these dynamic esports offerings.”
The post BETBY PARTNERS WITH SABA SPORTS TO DELIVER ESPORTS CONTENT THROUGH BETBY GAMES appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
DigiPlus Introduces Tools for Players to Control Gaming Time and Bets
DigiPlus Interactive Corporation, the company behind leading platforms BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone, has raised the bar for responsible gaming in the Philippines by launching an advanced Responsible Gaming tab within its platform. This groundbreaking feature provides players with a powerful set of tools to take control of their gaming habits. With options to set daily gaming durations, customise specific gaming schedules and establish daily loss limits, DigiPlus ensures that players can enjoy gaming responsibly, within boundaries they define for themselves.
For example, players can now set a gaming duration that ensures their gaming is confined to specific hours, such as during evenings, or lunch breaks, without interfering with work or family commitments. Players can also set a daily loss limit, such as not exceeding ₱1000, ensuring they never risk more than they are comfortable with. These self-defined features allow players to enjoy the fun and excitement of gaming while ensuring that it never becomes a source of stress or financial strain.
The Responsible Gaming feature is at par with global standards, reflecting DigiPlus’ leadership in adopting best practices for player welfare. These self-exclusion measures, commonly implemented by leading international gaming operators, empower players to prioritise their wellbeing while enjoying the fun and excitement of gaming. By integrating these tools directly into the app, DigiPlus guarantees easy accessibility and seamless user experience, demonstrating a proactive commitment to protecting players from potential harm.
“The launch of the Responsible Gaming tab in our platforms reflects our deep commitment to our players’ welfare. We believe gaming should always remain a safe and enjoyable activity. By giving our players the tools to manage their gaming habits responsibly, we’re setting a new benchmark for responsible gaming, one that aligns with global standards and emphasizes our care for every individual who engages with our platforms,” said DigiPlus Interactive Chairman Eusebio Tanco.
This new and innovative feature is complemented by DigiPlus’ broader responsible gaming initiatives through its social development arm, BingoPlus Foundation. The “Tamang Laro, Tamang Panalo” webinar series provides education on maintaining a healthy gaming-life balance, managing emotional and mental health, and recognising when to seek intervention. Personalised financial coaching sessions are also offered to guide players in making sound financial decisions, as demonstrated in the support provided to the jackpot winners, the most recent one being the ₱312 million Lucky Spin winner.
DigiPlus’ self-exclusion tools and educational programmes align with PAGCOR’s mission to promote responsible gaming and create a safer environment for players. This latest advancement in responsible gaming is a testament to DigiPlus’ vision of creating a sustainable and enjoyable gaming ecosystem that puts people first.
The post DigiPlus Introduces Tools for Players to Control Gaming Time and Bets appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Skillhub Online Games Federation and Global Esports Federation Unite to Bring Global Esports Tour 2025 to India
In a landmark moment for India’s esports ecosystem, Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) proudly announces its collaboration with the Global Esports Federation (GEF) to bring the Global Esports Tour (GET) 2025 to Mumbai. This historic event marks the first-ever Global Esports Tournament in India, further cementing the nation’s role as an emerging force in global esports.
The first ever Global Esports Tournament in Mumbai will bring together top-tier professional esports athletes and teams to compete on a world-class stage. This initiative is a direct outcome of the Strategic Framework Agreement signed between SOGF and Global Esports Federation (GEF) in October 2024, signifying a long-term commitment to developing esports across South Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
The Global Esports Tour Mumbai will not only showcase high-stakes competition but also serve as a launchpad for India’s esports talent onto the international stage. By hosting a prestigious event of this scale, SOGF aims to bolster India’s esports industry, drive investments, and create unparalleled opportunities for athletes, developers, and organizations within the ecosystem.
Sibtain Baqri, Chief Executive Officer of SOGF, expressed his excitement about this milestone,“Bringing the Global Esports Tour to India is more than just a tournament—it’s a movement. This event underscores India’s potential as a global esports powerhouse, providing athletes with an international platform to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. SOGF is committed to nurturing this ecosystem, and GET Mumbai is just the beginning of our larger vision to shape the future of esports in India and South Asia.”
Echoing this sentiment, Rustam Aghasiyev, Chief of Staff & Operations at Global Esports Federation, stated: “We are thrilled to expand our global footprint with the Global Esports Tour in Mumbai, which will introduce a new wave of opportunities for Indian and South Asian esports communities. Our partnership with SOGF is a significant step toward fostering an inclusive, competitive, and world-class esports environment in the region.”
Global Esports Tour, the GEF’s professional team series, showcases elite-level esports athletes and teams competing in high-stakes tournaments across iconic global cities. The arrival of GET in India underscores GEF’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and delivering impactful experiences for athletes, audiences, and stakeholders alike.
The post Skillhub Online Games Federation and Global Esports Federation Unite to Bring Global Esports Tour 2025 to India appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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