Asia
Navigating Japan’s Evolving iGaming Landscape: Insights and Predictions with Sachiko West
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.
Building on 15 years of success, G2E Asia + Asian IR Expo is set to make its highly anticipated return to Macau from May 7-9, 2025, at The Venetian Macao.
The 2025 show will introduce a range of new initiatives, including 100 exclusive product launches debuting in Asia for the first time. These will be showcased across more than 30,000 sqm and will cover the full spectrum of the entertainment and travel industries.
The leading event in Asia is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors from 80 countries and regions. To maximise opportunities for attendees, the event will feature a series of high-impact networking sessions, along with a dedicated business matchmaking team coordinating over 400 pre-arranged meetings to streamline connections.
This year’s show will also introduce the new Gaming Innovation Forum, featuring three full days of sessions that will dive into the latest gaming trends and technologies, all presented by G2E Asia Awards winners and nominees. Located in the exhibition hall, the forum will be accessible to all event attendees.
The G2E Asia Awards celebrates excellence and innovation within the gaming and entertainment industry. The awards will spotlight five prestigious categories, each evaluated by a panel of renowned industry leaders: Best Slot Award, Best Electronic Table Game Award, Best Table Game Award, Best Casino Supply Award and Best IR Tech Solution Award. All award-winning products will be prominently displayed in the exhibition, giving attendees the opportunity to experience them firsthand.
The expanded Asian IR Expo will feature a new Smart Hospitality Technology Experience Zone, offering an immersive and interactive onsite experience. This space will showcase emerging innovations across three unique areas: Smart Reception, Smart Cleaning and Smart Hospitality, each providing guided tours and live demonstrations.
The post 100 Exclusive Product Launches to Debut at G2E Asia + Asian IR Expo appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
SA Gaming is thrilled to announce the launch of Fish Prawn Crab, a timeless dice game that has captured hearts across Asia for generations. Players can predict the roll of three dice and bet on symbols or combinations to win big.
Different from common dice, the dice in Fish Prawn Crab uses symbols instead of numbers represented by dots. The six faces of a die in Fish Prawn Crab are Fish, Calabash, Tiger, Crab, Prawn and Rooster.
The bet types available include Specific Symbols (betting on a specific symbol appearing face up), Specific Double (a specific combination of two different symbols appearing face up), and Triples of the same color or same symbol.
The post SA Gaming is thrilled to announce the launch of Fish Prawn Crab appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Team Zero Gravity Triumphs in Indus International Tournament Powerplay, Secures Spot in LAN Finale
SuperGaming, India’s leading game developer, has successfully concluded the Powerplay Phase of the Indus International Tournament (IIT), the country’s premier grassroots-to-global esports showcase for its Indo-Futuristic battle royale, Indus.
The Powerplay Phase witnessed intense competition among professional esports teams from over 100 organizations. Teams battled fiercely on the map of Virlok, delivering high-stakes gameplay, demonstrating exceptional skill and strategic prowess. With ₹25 Lakhs up for grabs in this leg alone, the pressure was high — and performances, unforgettable.
Team Zero Gravity emerged as the champions of the Powerplay Phase, walking away with ₹10 Lakhs in winnings. The squad’s standout performer and Captain [ZG]SGOD – Sandeep Pandey earned the coveted MVP title, racking up 37 kills and 21,747 damage – an impressive stat line. He was awarded ₹1 Lakh for his outstanding performance.
Powerplay Phase Winners Announced:
Following weeks of intense competition, the teams emerging victorious from the Powerplay Phase are:
1. Team Zero Gravity – ₹10,00,000
2. Marcos Gaming – ₹4,00,000
3. Likitha Esports – ₹3,00,000
4. Heatbeast Esports – ₹2,50,000
5. Golden Hornet – ₹1,75,000
6. 4Ever Esports – ₹1,25,000
7. Autobotz Esports – ₹1,00,000
8. Blind Esports – ₹50,000
These 8 teams have now secured their spots in the upcoming Indus International Tournament LAN Finale, competing for the Champions Trophy and a ₹2 Crore prize pool. The LAN event is set for 18th May, 2025 at Drome Arena, Pune.
One Final Shot: The Last Chance Qualifier
For those still dreaming of the LAN stage, SuperGaming has opened The Final Portal. This is a last-chance qualifier offering one additional spot at the LAN Finale. Registrations are open until 16 April, 5:00 PM IST, with matches kicking off on 19 April, 2:00 PM IST.
Interested players can now form their squad, gear up, and register HERE.
Rising Stars. Real Careers.
More than just competition, the Indus International Tournament is becoming a launchpad for a new generation of Indian esports athletes. The tournament structure is designed to nurture grassroots talent and elevate India’s presence in global esports. For many, this is more than a trophy — it’s the start of a real career in competitive gaming.
Roby John, CEO and Co-Founder, SuperGaming, says,
“At SuperGaming, we’re building a gaming and esports ecosystem made in India—for India and the world. With Indus, we’re rethinking the traditional esports playbook by focusing on grassroots tournaments, creator-led events, and co-ownership opportunities that turn players and fans into real stakeholders.
Instead of chasing unsustainable models, we’re building a community-first framework that drives engagement, retention, and monetization—from in-game items to merch and transmedia content. Esports isn’t just a competitive format for us—it’s a storytelling engine where real-world players become heroes as part of the game’s evolving universe.
We believe India has a unique opportunity to lead the next wave of global gaming—and we’re laying the foundation to make that happen.”
Tournament Highlights:
- The Indus International Tournament features four progressive phases: Homegrown, Nationals, Powerplay, and International, designed to reflect India’s diverse player base and competitive ecosystem.
- Homegrown Phase: Showcased rising grassroots talent. Team Rogue, DGE, and Moggers qualified for the LAN Finale.
- The National Phase concluded with Team Esports Battleground and Brazil-based organisation Team 4Magic advancing to the LAN Finale.
- Kadiliman Esports from the Philippines is set to represent international talent at the LAN Final.
- The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Indus International Tournament LAN finale will be awarded a custom Mahindra Thar*.
SuperGaming is thrilled with the overwhelming response and the level of competition seen throughout the tournament. With top teams, passionate fans, and leading creators heading to Pune, the Indus International Tournament LAN Finale is set to become one of India’s most defining esports events. This isn’t just a finale — it’s where the country’s next esports champions will rise.
The post Team Zero Gravity Triumphs in Indus International Tournament Powerplay, Secures Spot in LAN Finale appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Press Releases4 weeks agoGraffiti Rush marks PG Soft’s debut in graffiti-themed slots
-
Latin America3 weeks ago
Paysecure expands reach across LATAM, showcasing solutions at SIGMA Americas
-
Amusnet2 weeks ago
Amusnet to Participate in the Third Edition of SiGMA Americas
-
Australia4 weeks ago
Gaming Compliance Checks Underway Across Regional NSW
-
Africa3 weeks ago
Springbok Casino is Offering 25 Free Spins in Honour of South Africa’s Top 5 Wild Egg Hunters
-
Compliance Updates4 weeks ago
Bigpot Gaming Secures Prestigious Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) License
-
Balkans4 weeks ago
7777 gaming partners with LiveScore to elevate its new operations in Bulgaria
-
Baltics2 weeks ago
Playson powers ahead in Europe with Fenikss partnership
