Connect with us
navigating-japan’s-evolving-igaming-landscape:-insights-and-predictions-with-sachiko-west navigating-japan’s-evolving-igaming-landscape:-insights-and-predictions-with-sachiko-west

Asia

Navigating Japan’s Evolving iGaming Landscape: Insights and Predictions with Sachiko West

Published

on

Reading Time: 4 minutes

 

Current State of the Market (2024)

How would you describe the current state of the iGaming market in Japan in 2024? Have there been any significant milestones or shifts this year?

Despite the uncertainty of how the future Police campaigns will change the iGaming landscape in Japan, the number of online casino users including sports bettors seems to be growing steadily, and more online casinos are entering the Japanese market.   One thing in common within the industry is that companies no longer hire anyone based in Japan for the Japanese market.   

What are the most popular types of games or gambling activities among Japanese players right now?

Social casino games are on the up. Besides Pachinko-type slots, Plinko, Crash and Hi-Lo are increasingly popular among casino players.

How has the regulatory environment evolved in 2024? Have there been any notable changes that impacted operators or consumers?

In 2024, the Japanese Police arrested more people than the previous years in relation to use of online casinos. Streamers have become a clear target as well as payment providers based in Japan.  Encouraged by the current Prime Minister’s support, the Police declared in August that they would investigate more iGaming affiliates and online casino operators even outside Japan.  The Police made over 100 arrests so far in 2024 in relation to use of online casinos.  

With more risks associated with promoting online casinos, streamers command higher fees than ever.  Some YouTubers are migrating to other platforms trying to avoid detection by the Police.   

What role has mobile gaming played in shaping the iGaming market in Japan, and how does it compare to desktop or other platforms?

Japan is a mobile market. Over 70% of players play on a mobile phone. As they are also technology-driven people, the usability of the casino platform on mobile phones could be the key to acquire and retain players. Those operators who study the Japanese mobile players’ behaviour and preferences would have enjoyed better results in both casino and sports betting in 2024.      

Have advancements in technology, such as blockchain or virtual reality, been widely adopted in Japan’s iGaming sector?

More and more people are shifting to using cryptocurrency when they play online casinos. The demographics of crypt users are also wider in Japan. User age could be up to 60. 

 

Challenges and Opportunities

What do you see as the biggest challenges currently facing operators and other stakeholders in the Japanese market?

Japan is an affiliate-driven market. The affiliate/ streamer costs are expected to increase as the risks increase.  As direct marketing i.e. through local media is limited, boosting brand awareness can be tricky. You have to come up with creative ideas and catch the right moment. 

With increasing competition from both local and international operators, how are companies differentiating themselves to attract Japanese players?

To start with, operators tend to hire native Japanese speakers to make sure the site is fully localized and to meet the needs of Japanese users. Then the branding. They also tend to offer bonuses and promotions that are appealing to Japanese users.  

Are there any notable examples of successful partnerships between operators and local entities or institutions in Japan?

Live streaming providers and fighting event organisers are known to work with operators well.

How do you think offshore and unlicensed operators affect the market landscape and trust among consumers?

Not many unlicensed operators are known or promoted in the Japanese market. 

 

Looking Ahead to 2025

What key trends or developments do you expect to emerge in Japan’s iGaming market in 2025?

More new Japanese players via social media would play at online casinos in 2025.  More deposits will be made in cryptocurrency.

Are there specific regulatory reforms or discussions that might significantly impact the market next year?

The Police investigation efforts might impact the market, depending on who is involved and when they happen.

With the market’s growth, do you foresee new entrants, both local and international, establishing a foothold in Japan?

I expect to see more newcomers in the Japanese market, as they have room for growth.  Having said that, they might struggle in the competition unless they have strong branding and region-specific strategies.   

How important is localization for operators planning to enter or expand in the Japanese iGaming market? What should they prioritize?

It is extremely important to have the site fully localized. It is the top priority.  Some affiliates don’t even work with you unless your site is fully localized and provides good Japanese customer support. 

What technological innovations do you believe will drive growth in the iGaming sector in Japan in 2025?

Any functionality that brings about a community feel and better usability for users. 

Insights and Predictions

Do you think Japan will ever move towards a more unified or liberal regulatory framework for online gambling? If so, what might catalyze this change?

Land casinos have been legalized and one is expected to be built in Osaka by 2030. Unfortunately, there is no sign of this new move being extended to online gambling in the near future. The government is opposed to it.

What advice would you give to iGaming companies looking to launch in Japan or expand their presence in 2025?

Look out for any new on the Police investigations on operators based outside Japan and any arrest of affiliates. You make sure to have native Japanese speakers to oversee the latest developments.  

How do you see Japanese consumers’ preferences evolving in terms of gameplay, payment systems, and interaction with platforms?

Players always liked everything fast, but now they like it faster.  Expectation of faster service in payments, game loading, support’s response, etc is higher than ever. 

They also tend to like the feeling of ‘belonging’ whether as in VIP, community chat, player-to player activities. 

Broader Market Perspectives

Lastly, what excites you the most about the future of iGaming in Japan?

As Japanese people are more familiar with international sporting events with live streaming services, I believe that the sports betting market will grow in the future.  There have been talks within the government to legalize sports betting, too.  

The post Navigating Japan’s Evolving iGaming Landscape: Insights and Predictions with Sachiko West appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Asia

BETER to Exhibit at SiGMA Asia

Published

on

beter-to-exhibit-at-sigma-asia
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

BETER, the award-winning provider of fast betting content, data, and live streaming for esports and sports, will showcase its full suite of products at SiGMA Asia, which will take place in Manila, the Philippines, from June 2 to 4. The exhibition will draw over 20,000 delegates, including 450+ exhibitors and sponsors.

BETER will welcome attendees at stand 2085, presenting its newest products for esports and sports.

BETER’s proprietary ESportsBattle tournaments deliver non-stop betting action across popular titles such as eFootball, eBasketball, and eHockey, totaling more than 35,000 events per month. The portfolio has recently expanded to include eCricket and eTennis, and attendees will get an exclusive first look at additional new disciplines.

BETER’s sports content includes its world-renowned Setka Cup table tennis tournaments and BSKT Cup basketball league. The company will also showcase its latest sports additions, including a cricket series, the GTR Cup tennis tournaments, and proprietary Padel tennis tournaments. Collectively, these three new offerings will total over 3,000 sports matches per month.

In total, bettors can now wager on 50,000+ of BETER’s fast-paced esports and sports events each month, with up to 50 markets per event and an average operator margin of 7.5%+. All matches feature 24/7 live streaming, real-time data, and odds.

BETER will also showcase its Esports Odds Feed, which provides market-leading odds across 450+ tournaments globally, covering 40,000+ live and pre-match events annually. Additionally, delegates can explore BETER’s upgraded iFrame and Managed Trading Services, as well as its advanced Esports Widgets, developed through a data partnership with GRID.

BETER’s industry impact is further underscored by its shortlisting in three categories at the SiGMA Asia Awards: Best Esports Provider, Best Sportsbook Provider, and Most Innovative Sportsbook Feature.

Gal Ehrlich, CEO of BETER, commented: “We’re excited to attend SiGMA Asia and to showcase our esports and sports products. Asia is one of the fastest-growing betting markets, where players seek high-speed, engaging experiences—exactly what we deliver.

“We’re already a go-to provider of in-demand content worldwide, with a growing list of operator partners. We look forward to welcoming delegates to our stand and giving them a firsthand look at our thrilling offerings.”

Chuck Robinson, CRO at BETER, added: “We provide premium fast betting content with 24/7 live streaming and data with a sustained margin retention of 7.5%+ while our commitment to integrity means just 0.01% of matches are flagged for suspicious activity.

“That’s why operators turn to BETER—to deliver next-gen betting experiences across esports and sports. We’re eager to showcase our comprehensive offering to the SiGMA Asia audience.”

The post BETER to Exhibit at SiGMA Asia appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Asia

Banijay Asia and NODWIN Gaming form Strategic Partnership to Amplify Youth Engagement in India

Published

on

banijay-asia-and-nodwin-gaming-form-strategic-partnership-to-amplify-youth-engagement-in-india
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

Banijay Asia, a part of Banijay Entertainment, and NODWIN Gaming, a material subsidiary of Nazara Technologies, today announced a strategic partnership to revolutionize esports, gaming and youth entertainment in India. This collaboration marks a significant step in blending cutting-edge content with the booming gaming and youth culture ecosystem. As part of this alliance, Banijay Asia will take the helm in producing Playground, NODWIN Gaming’s flagship gaming reality show that has redefined the intersection of gaming, entertainment, and influencer culture in the region. The partnership will also bring new scripted and captive reality shows to daylight, with both companies co-developing new intellectual properties (IPs) and pioneering fresh content concepts across gaming, esports and youth culture.

Deepak Dhar, Founder & Group CEO – Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India, commented, “This collaboration with NODWIN Gaming is an exciting extension of our vision to create content that resonates with evolving youth audiences. Gaming is not just a sport; it’s a culture, a lifestyle, and a massive content opportunity. With Playground and our upcoming IPs, we aim to redefine engagement and storytelling in this space.” He further added, “I look forward to the creative collaboration with Akshat Rathee, and Joost Roset who we previously worked with, in bringing iconic global IPs to India. This is an invaluable opportunity to create clutter-breaking formats in the youth and gaming space.”

With a diverse portfolio of high-impact IPs including the televised esports tournament – BGMI Masters Series (BGMS), Comic Con India, NH7 Weekender, and more, NODWIN Gaming is a key player in the gaming, esports and youth entertainment ecosystem.

Talking about the partnership, Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder & MD, NODWIN Gaming, said, “Youth entertainment is evolving rapidly, and our partnership with Banijay Asia positions us perfectly to lead that change. With Playground, we’ve just begun to explore what’s possible. Backed by Banijay’s global expertise, we’re now set to scale the IP across multiple languages and markets, with the ambition of building an international format. At the heart of our approach is our philosophy of ‘timeshare of mindshare’. We’re not just creating content, we’re creating cultural moments. The Rusk creative team will stay actively involved as we expand the universe of Playground, aiming to grow from one show to between five and ten each year. This is just the beginning of a bold new chapter in gaming and youth content.”

With gaming emerging as one of the most influential youth-driven industries, this partnership is poised to set new benchmarks in how gaming and entertainment are consumed in India. By leveraging Banijay Asia’s expertise in content creation and NODWIN Gaming’s deep-rooted understanding of gaming communities, the collaboration promises to push creative boundaries and capture the imagination of young audiences nationwide.

Banijay Entertainment has strong expertise in the gaming space, via its global distribution arm Banijay Rights, with successful gaming activations leveraging key brands including Peaky Blinders, Black Mirror, Simon’s Cat and MasterChef.

The post Banijay Asia and NODWIN Gaming form Strategic Partnership to Amplify Youth Engagement in India appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Asia

NOVOMATIC celebrates a successful showcase at G2E Asia 2025

Published

on

novomatic-celebrates-a-successful-showcase-at-g2e-asia-2025
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

NOVOMATIC enjoyed a highly successful presence at this year’s G2E Asia, which was held from May 7–9 at The Venetian Macao. The company impressed visitors with a well-curated portfolio of advanced gaming solutions that are specifically tailored to the Asian market – drawing a strong attendance, excellent customer engagement, and positive feedback across the board.

Strong customer interest in next-generation product highlights
This year’s showcase focused on delivering both innovation and regional relevance, with a lineup designed to elevate the player experience and boost operator performance. One of the standout attractions was the DIAMOND X™ 1.55J QUATTRO, which returned with significant upgrades in both design and performance. The cabinet was presented with the current Linked Progressive highlights, such as XTENSION LINK™ Volume 3 and Volume 4, while the all-new XTENSION LINK™ Evolution, proved especially popular for its eye-catching presence and engaging game mechanics. The DIAMOND X™ 2.32/3.32 multi-screen version, equipped with the GAMINATOR™ X5, showcased a versatile selection of entertaining titles that are tailored for the region.

Equally well-received was the BLACK EDITION II series: The BLACK EDITION II XL 2.32/3.32 captivated operators with the highly popular IMPERA LINK™ Series 2, while the BLACK EDITION II 1.49J brought together the powerful Impera PROLINK™ and the latest addition to the game portfolio, RISING TREASURES™. Proven performers like the MASTER SL™ 2.32/3.32, which also featured GAMINATOR™ X5, rounded out the offering and demonstrated NOVOMATIC’s strength in both innovation and reliability.

Casino solutions driving future growth

Further highlights included the NOVO UNITY™ PRO, NOVOMATIC’s advanced electronic table game (ETG) platform that enables players to join up to three live games simultaneously – such as Sic Bo, Baccarat, or Roulette – on one station. Highly customizable in its setup, the system allows operators to adapt game configurations, layouts, and betting options to local preferences and regulatory requirements. Its interactivity and flexibility were praised by operators as key advantages in engaging today’s players.

The NOVOVISION™ Casino Management System also made a strong impression with its comprehensive suite of functionalities: biometric access, single-wallet capabilities, advanced player loyalty features, and much more – all of which are aimed at delivering next-level efficiency and security in casino operations.

Kenan Bajram, Deputy Director Global Sales at NOVOMATIC AG, reflected on the successful event: “G2E Asia 2025 was once again an outstanding opportunity to engage with partners from across the region and present the full scope of our technology portfolio. Asia’s land-based gaming market is as diverse as it is dynamic – each country has its own regulatory framework, technical standards, and player preferences. Our success at this year’s show confirms that NOVOMATIC is well-positioned to meet these varied demands with tailored solutions that combine innovation, reliability, and full regulatory compliance. The positive feedback we received – especially for our DIAMOND X™ and BLACK EDITION II series, as well as for the NOVO UNITY™ PRO ETG solution – reinforces our commitment to supporting our customers in key markets such as Malaysia, the Philippines, and beyond.”

The post NOVOMATIC celebrates a successful showcase at G2E Asia 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Trending