Connect with us
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)
online-casino-players-today:-softswiss-spotlight online-casino-players-today:-softswiss-spotlight

Asia

Online Casino Players Today: SOFTSWISS Spotlight

Published

on

Reading Time: 4 minutes

 

Asia takes the lead in high-stakes bets, while Europe leads with female players – insights from SOFTSWISS, a leading global iGaming technology provider, backed by its Casino Platform data analysis.

SOFTSWISS experts scrutinised the data from the Casino Platform’s client projects, spanning September 2022 to August 2023, to create profiles of contemporary players across three regions: Europe, Latin America, and Asia.

EUROPE

The European iGaming market consistently ranks top in terms of revenue generation and financial performance. According to the SOFTSWISS Casino Platform data, Europe boasts eight times the number of active players compared to LatAm and a staggering 18-fold increase compared to Asia. Furthermore, 68.3% of European players favour mobile devices for placing their bets, with the average bet size nearly doubling that of Latin America but still behind the Asian figure.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Gender disclosure is not mandatory during the registration process in certain online casinos, but even with the available data, some intriguing patterns emerge. According to the SOFTSWISS research, nearly half of European online casino players are male, accounting for 47% of the total player base. At the same time, Europe is the leader in the number of female players (18.11%), closely followed by LatAm, while Asia lags significantly behind. SOFTSWISS experts contend that this can be attributed to a heightened level of female engagement in the European economy, which is closely correlated with higher educational attainment and, consequently, improved access to personal income sources.

When considering the age range of contemporary online players from Europe, the majority falls within the 31–40 age group. This demographic tends to gravitate toward slot games as their preferred gaming option, with card games and roulette holding the second and third positions.

Darya Avtukhovich, Head of SOFTSWISS Casino Platform, comments: “One of the important aspects for the European market is payment systems. Due to diverse player locations, operators need multiple payment options, which becomes even more complex in regulated markets. SOFTSWISS is actively addressing this by obtaining licences and certifications. We also integrate payment systems into the Casino Platform, ensuring flexibility for operators entering specific markets.”

 

LATIN AMERICA

LatAm emerges as a promising hub for the iGaming industry. Markets that have already embraced online casino and bookmaker regulation are witnessing steady growth, while countries that are on the verge of implementing these regulations anticipate remarkable growth in the near future.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

According to the SOFTSWISS Casino Platform data, in LatAm, 69.2% of active players use mobile devices to place bets in online casinos, slightly exceeding the equivalent figure in Europe. Male players constitute the majority, while females comprise 17.4% of the user base. The largest player demographics fall within the age group of 31–40 years, representing 20.8% of the total, while those aged 18–24 and 25–30 each account for 18.8%. The variations in distribution between these age groups in LatAm are the smallest among the analysed regions.

Highlighting the key features of the local iGaming culture, Carla Dualib, Regional Business Development Manager in LatAm, says: “Local online casino players tend to place small but regular bets. This sets them apart from European players, who, in turn, opt for less frequent but larger wagers when betting online.”

The data collected by the Casino Platform support this expert opinion: players from Latin America place the lowest bets compared to other analysed regions.

“Another key difference between LatAm players and players in other regions is their unwavering love for sports betting, especially football. However, when it comes to classic online casino games, local players are active in slots and roulette games. The latter is gaining momentum – according to the Game Aggregator statistics, roulette games make up 21.8% of all types of games preferred by Latin American players, which is 2–4 times more than in Asia and Europe,” noted Darya Avtukhovich, Head of SOFTSWISS Casino Platform.

 

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

ASIA

This region is characterised by technological advancement and progressiveness, with certain countries leading the global economy and boasting a high GDP per capita. This progressive nature is evident in the average bet size, which, according to the Casino Platform data, outstrips European averages by 2.5 times and leaves the average bet size of LatAm players trailing behind by more than fourfold.

In Asia, the prevalence of players who prefer mobile betting exceeds that of the other regions, with 71.6% favouring this method. Also, the percentage of female players in Asia is significantly lower, comprising just 6.2%. Within the Asian player demographic, those aged 31 to 40 are the most commonly found group placing bets in the projects powered by the SOFTSWISS Casino Platform.

Slot games dominate the market, accounting for over 80% of all games. Speaking about the entertainment theme, Darya Avtukhovich notes: “Operators catering to the Asian audience should include traditional regional games in their portfolio. This involves not only stylising content using well-known Asian symbols, such as dragons, but also bringing familiar table games for local players online, such as Mahjong and others. Similarly, in sports betting, offering bets on traditional sports like Muay Thai and Kabaddi alongside popular international sports will significantly enhance the online casino’s offerings.”

Summing up the research, it is evident that common trends exist among players in different regions. However, it is essential to consider local peculiarities to shape an effective strategy. Darya Avtukhovich emphasises the importance of attracting local experts who understand the audience’s cultural nuances, traditions, and values. SOFTSWISS implements this approach by leveraging the extensive experience and expertise of its regional managers in LatAm and Asia to effectively develop clients’ businesses in new markets.

 

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

About SOFTSWISS 

SOFTSWISS is an international iGaming company supplying ISO 27001-certified software solutions for managing gambling operations. The expert team, which counts 1,400 employees, is based in Malta, Poland, Georgia, and Belarus.  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 Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS was the first in the world to introduce a Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution.

Asia

Former Thai Police Chief Torsak Faces Investigation for Bribery

Published

on

former-thai-police-chief-torsak-faces-investigation-for-bribery
Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has initiated an investigation into former Royal Thai Police commissioner-general Pol General Torsak Sukvimol and seven others for alleged bribery linked to illegal gambling operations.

According to Thai media, this decision follows accusations that Torsak demanded money and assets from 18 gambling websites and other illicit businesses during his tenure as national police chief from October 2023 to September 2024.

NACC secretary-general Sarote Phuengramphan stated that sufficient evidence, including witness testimonies, has been gathered to justify the investigation, with the commission overseeing the inquiry.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

In addition, the NACC is examining separate allegations against former deputy national police chief Pol General Surachate Hakparn, who is accused of accepting bribes from gambling sites and involvement in money laundering. Sarote indicated that more information is needed before proceeding with this case.

Torsak had been suspended in March due to conflicts with Surachate but returned to duty in June until his replacement by Pol General Kitrat Phanphet on October 1. Surachate, known as “Big Joke,” was removed from his position by royal command.

The post Former Thai Police Chief Torsak Faces Investigation for Bribery appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Asia

DigiPlus Celebrates Double Victory at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards

Published

on

digiplus-celebrates-double-victory-at-the-asia-pacific-enterprise-awards
Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

DigiPlus Interactive, the brand behind popular gaming platforms BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone, announced its double recognition at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2024. DigiPlus was honoured with the Corporate Excellence Award and the Fast Enterprise Award, reinforcing its role as a leader in digital entertainment.

The awards ceremony, held on December 11 at Hilton Manila, celebrated businesses and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements, leadership and innovation. The Corporate Excellence Award recognises DigiPlus’ commitment to sustainable growth, innovative leadership and exemplary business practices. The Fast Enterprise Award acknowledges the company’s rapid growth and adaptability in an ever-evolving and competitive market.

“DigiPlus was born from a vision to redefine digital entertainment in the Philippines. This recognition is a celebration of the incredible passion, ingenuity, and dedication of our team. It is also a tribute to our stakeholders, whose trust empowers us, and the communities we serve, who inspire us to continue pushing boundaries and elevating entertainment experiences for all,” said Celeste Jovenir, VP of Investor Relations, Corporate Communications and Sustainability.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

The post DigiPlus Celebrates Double Victory at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Asia

Government support, medals, and global recognition define a landmark year for Indian esports and video gaming in 2024

Published

on

government-support,-medals,-and-global-recognition-define-a-landmark-year-for-indian-esports-and-video-gaming-in-2024
Reading Time: 5 minutes

 

The Indian video gaming and esports industry witnessed exponential growth in 2024, breaking into the mainstream. According to the recently published ‘India Gaming Report,’ the Indian pure-play gaming industry is valued at INR 6,715 crore and is on track to grow at a CAGR of 24%, reaching INR 10,487 crore by 2026. With a staggering 13.85 crore gamers and an annual growth rate of 11.82% projected until 2026, the sector shows no signs of slowing down.

This year was marked by several historic milestones. India showcased its esports prowess on the global stage by securing a silver medal in Tekken 8 at the BRICS Esports Championship and a bronze medal in eFootball at the Asian Esports Games 2024. Adding to the excitement, the International Olympic Committee’s announcement of the Olympic Esports Games 2025 has opened new doors for India to achieve further international acclaim in esports.

Government and state support for the industry also saw remarkable growth. The Union Cabinet announced the establishment of the National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR in Mumbai, while the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is backing the inaugural WAVES Esports Championships 2025. States like Bihar introduced esports tournaments in schools, and Meghalaya became the first Indian state to sponsor an esports team. Nagaland also joined the momentum by hosting its first esports tournament, reflecting the growing grassroots movement across the country.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

In addition to government initiatives, one of the industry leaders driving this transformation was NODWIN Gaming, a leader in new-age youth entertainment, gaming, and esports whose initiatives elevated Indian gaming to new heights. The company’s flagship esports IP, the BGMI Masters Series, not only brought esports to national television for the third consecutive year but also facilitated the entry of high-profile brands like Garnier Men and Android into the Indian esports ecosystem.

NODWIN Gaming also created one of the nation’s biggest youth entertainment events of the year by hosting DreamHack India alongside Hyderabad Comic Con. Internationally, the company acquired leading European esports company Freaks 4U Gaming and Turkey-based esports firm Ninja Global, while also partnering with the Global Esports Federation. Domestically, NODWIN Gaming expanded its footprint by acquiring Trinity Gaming and Comic Con India and collaborating with JSW Sports, reinforcing its position at the heart of youth entertainment.

 

Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming believes that in 2024, games became an integral part of the cultural zeitgeist, with creators and influencers amplifying their appeal among youth. The year witnessed significant strides in institutional support, with government recognition playing a pivotal role in legitimising esports as a sport.

“This rapid growth of gaming and esports has allowed NODWIN Gaming to evolve into a holistic youth-focused entertainment company. By focusing on curating entertainment platforms that go beyond esports, we have managed to build a comprehensive ecosystem that includes content production, event management, and community engagement, enabling us to connect with youth across multiple touchpoints. We believe that our philosophy of timeshare of mindshare has driven our strategy to reach audiences where they live, play, and engage, ensuring sustained growth and relevance,” he explains.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

A significant highlight this year was the acknowledgment of the gaming industry by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. For the first time ever, the PM met with leading Indian gamers like Animesh Agarwal (8Bit Thug), Naman Mathur (Mortal), and Payal Dhare (PayalGaming) to discuss the sector’s various aspects and its potential.

Creating even more history, S8UL Esports, India’s leading esports and gaming content organization, co-founded by Mortal and Animesh, completed a hat-trick of awards at the global Esports Awards, with Mortal also winning ‘Esports Content Creator of the Year.’ S8UL secured back-to-back victories at MOBIES 2024, with PayalGaming becoming the first Indian female to win ‘Streamer of the Year,’ further elevating India’s global esports reputation.

“2024 was a landmark year for S8UL, filled with milestones that cemented our position as leaders in global esports. In the past year, esports has solidified its position as a mainstream cultural phenomenon. The distinction between competitive esports and gaming became clearer, helping audiences and stakeholders better understand the ecosystem. At the same time, esports, traditional sports, and influencer-driven content began working more cohesively, creating synergies that enhanced fan experiences and industry growth. Brands now view esports not just as a sponsorship opportunity but as a platform for deep, authentic engagement with Gen Z and Millennials. This evolution underscores the industry’s maturity, making esports a dynamic and indispensable part of modern culture,” states Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug, Co-founder, S8UL Esports.

While India has long been a mobile-first gaming market, 2024 saw developments aimed at diversifying the landscape, with CyberPowerPC, a global leader in custom gaming computers, making its debut in the Indian market. Along with its groundbreaking configurator tool, the company introduced the EZPC module, allowing gamers to build PCs tailored to their favorite titles.

CyberPowerPC recently demonstrated its commitment to expanding the PC gaming community by awarding two premium gaming PCs, each valued at over INR 1 lakh, to two gamers at one of India’s largest gaming festivals in Mumbai. The initiative aimed to showcase the potential of custom gaming PCs while fulfilling the dreams of these gamers for an unparalleled gaming experience.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

 

Vishal Parekh, Chief Operating Officer, CyberPowerPC India, notes 2024 has been a year of unprecedented growth for the Indian gaming and esports ecosystem. Gaming has evolved into a mainstream cultural phenomenon, fueled by India’s expanding digital economy and government initiatives like ‘Digital India,’ which have provided fertile ground for the industry’s growth. The focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities has unlocked new demographics, driving demand for high-performance gaming rigs. At CyberPowerPC India, we have strengthened our engagement with the gaming community through partnerships with esports organizations, and our focus remains on delivering systems that combine high performance with affordability.”

Another notable development in the Indian gaming sector was 88 Pictures, the Indian animation and VFX studio behind Emmy-winning shows launching its game development division called 88 Games. With three premium titles in development, the studio aims to showcase India’s rich folklore and history to a global audience. This aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s Independence Day call for Indian developers to make their mark internationally, positioning 88 Games as a leader in India’s growing presence in the global gaming landscape.

“In 2024, we witnessed a surge of homegrown studios and games, including our own, highlighting the immense potential for the industry’s growth. The rapid growth of gaming and esports has transformed them into viable career paths. Awareness has increased, not just about being a gamer or creator but also about the wide array of roles in the industry. While the industry is currently mobile-centric, there’s a massive opportunity in PC and console gaming. At 88 Games, we aim to fill this gap by focusing on premium titles for these platforms, contributing to a more balanced and diverse gaming ecosystem,” says Milind D. Shinde, Founder & CEO of 88 Games.

As the year closes, it is evident that Indian esports and gaming have not only grown but transformed into a cultural and economic powerhouse. Given the rapid pace of growth, the industry is all set to shape the future of entertainment both at home and on the global stage.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

The post Government support, medals, and global recognition define a landmark year for Indian esports and video gaming in 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Trending