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.
Aquisitions/Mergers
Nazara’s subsidiary Absolute Sports acquires TJRWrestling.net and ITRWrestling.com
Absolute Sports, a subsidiary of Nazara Technologies and the parent company of Sportskeeda.com, announced today that it has signed definitive agreements, subject to closing conditions, to acquire two IPs, TJRWrestling.net and ITRWrestling.com. These business assets will be acquired from Titan Insider Digital. These IPs add to the already dominant global position of Absolute Sports in the combat sports publishing industry.
TJRWrestling and ITRWrestling established in 2009 and 2020 respectively, have built a robust audience base within the wrestling fan community through their high-quality and in-depth combat sports news and content coverage. Together, they currently attract 1.7 million monthly active users and generate 4.6 million monthly pageviews, predominantly from North America. They generated $722K (~INR 6.1 crore) in revenue in 2024.
The transaction, valued at $1.25 million (~INR 10.5 crore), will be an all-cash asset purchase via the company’s U.S. subsidiary, Sportskeeda Inc., and is expected to close within the next 45 days.
This strategic acquisition bolsters Sportskeeda’s position in the combat sports segment and expands its presence in the U.S., home to the world’s largest pro-wrestling fanbase. The integration of these platforms will also create deeper engagement opportunities for fans and advertisers across digital formats.
Ajay Pratap Singh, CEO of Absolute Sports, commented: “ITRWrestling and TJRwrestling are two of the most respected voices in the global wrestling community. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our vision to be the leading go-to destination for wrestling content worldwide. It also reinforces Absolute Sports’ dedication to expanding its footprint in the fast-growing U.S. media market through a targeted and impactful M&A strategy.”
The post Nazara’s subsidiary Absolute Sports acquires TJRWrestling.net and ITRWrestling.com appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
FBM® is set to elevate the gaming experience at Solaire Entertainment City with the launch of the highly anticipated Jin Qián Link™ slot themes on the cutting-edge Auria casino cabinet. Being the leading e-bingo games provider in the Philippines, FBM® continues delivering innovation with four captivating slot titles inspired by Asian mystique, featuring stunning graphics and exciting gameplay, at one of the country’s premier gaming destinations.
Jin Qián Link comprises four distinct slot themes – Eternal Fènghuáng™, Golden Lóng™, Great Bái Hǔ™, and Lucky Guī™ – each transporting players to a mystical universe. Players will be attracted and engaged by captivating visuals and an immersive soundscape, while Jin Qián Link also offers a rewarding and strategic gaming experience.
Players can chase Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand jackpots within the Jin Qián Link bonus, accessed by incrementing the pagoda. The bonus mode culminates in a double prize when all positions on the five reels are covered. The attractive feature set of this product line includes Luck Has Arrived as a shared feature, anticipating a rewarding round. Triple Wild, available on Golden Lóng and Lucky Guī, and Wild Multiplier, running on Great Bái Hǔ and Eternal Fènghuáng, are the game features completing the features roll of this game series.
Pepe Costa, Country Manager of FBM Philippines, highlighted the relevance of this installation for the brand’s operation in the country. “FBM is committed to delivering exceptional gaming experiences that resonate with players. Jin Qián Link is a testament to this commitment, combining compelling themes with innovative features and the quality and excellence that FBM is known for.”, stated the FBM representative.
About the expectations around the game and FBM’s intents for the short-term future, Pepe Costa shared: “We are confident that Jin Qián Link will be a major success at Solaire Entertainment City. It’s also important to note that Jin Qian Link is just the first in a series of new slot games that FBM will be launching for the Philippine market”. With a legacy dating back to 2001, FBM has established itself as a trusted provider of high-quality gaming solutions. The leadership obtained in the Philippines e-bingo segment placed FBM among the references in the national industry, boosting the operation expansion for new product categories. The Jin Qián Link launch at Solaire Entertainment City further solidifies FBM Philippines’ position in the market and provides Solaire Entertainment City patrons with a new and exciting gaming adventure.
The post FBM® installs Jin Qián Link™ at Solaire Entertainment City appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
This surge marks a critical turning point in the sector with electronic gaming now leading revenue generation, said PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco.
“The E-Games and E-Bingo segment made history by becoming the industry’s top revenue driver for the first time, contributing Php51.39 billion or 49.36% of the total first quarter GGR,” he said.
“This represents not just revenue growth but how consumer behavior continues to shift towards digital, on-demand gaming experiences, accelerated by greater access to mobile technology,” he added.
The PAGCOR chief also noted that the rise of the E-Games industry has drastically reshaped the Philippine gaming landscape.
“As digital platforms take center stage, the Philippine gaming industry is likewise undergoing a paradigm shift. Hence, our goal as a regulator is to strike the right balance between innovation, player protection and long-term industry sustainability,” he said.
Licensed casinos, which have historically dominated the GGR landscape, generated Php49.28 billion, accounting for 47.32% of the industry’s total.
“While there was a minimal dip in revenues from licensed casinos compared to last year’s figures due to growing digital competition, this segment shows sustained strength and relevance,” Chairman Tengco said.
“The performance of brick-and-mortar casinos remains critical to industry stability, particularly in tourism-driven hubs such as Entertainment City and Clark.”
Meanwhile, PAGCOR-operated casinos generated Php3.45 billion in revenues, making up 3.31% of the GGR.
The post PH GAMING INDUSTRY RECORDS PHP104.12B GGR IN 1ST QUARTER 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Baltics4 weeks agoPlayson powers ahead in Europe with Fenikss partnership
-
Balkans4 weeks ago
CT Gaming Expands in Macedonia with a Landmark Installation
-
Compliance Updates4 weeks ago
GRAI: Join the Ongoing Public Consultation
-
partnerships3 weeks ago
Octoplay accelerates UK and Irish growth with strategic BoyleSports partnership
-
Latin America3 weeks ago
SOFTSWISS Ignites Brazil with ‘Race Like a Legend’ Experience
-
Press Releases4 weeks ago
Booming Games Unveils Easter Classics: A Charming Springtime Slot Full of Fluffy Fun and Festive Wins
-
Balkans3 weeks ago
Playson tightens grip on Croatian market with landmark Hrvatska Lutrija deal
-
Africa3 weeks ago
INCENTIVE GAMES SIGNS EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTION DEAL FOR NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE, SOUTH AFRICA AND UK WITH LIGHT & WONDER
