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

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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.

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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EveryMatrix signals LatAm expansion plans with CIBELAE membership

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EveryMatrix has joined CIBELAE, the official branch of the World Lottery Association for 80 Hispanic American speaking countries, including Latin and Central America, Spain and Portugal, signalling its plans to expand its global reach across multiple regulated markets.

The application to join the Corporación Iberoamericana de Loterías y Apuestas de Estado as an Associate Member was approved at CIBELAE board level and is due to be formally ratified during the organisation’s Annual Ordinary Assembly later this year.

Membership positions the tier-1 technology provider alongside the most reputable lottery and iGaming institutions in 80 countries across six continents including Latin America, gaining valuable networking opportunities across events, working groups and industry discussions with major local operators.

It will also provide EveryMatrix with increased regional influence enabling its local and international commercial and product experts to contribute to shaping conversations around regulation, technology, and innovation within the lottery, betting and iGaming sectors.

EveryMatrix has a long history of working closely with tier-1 customers in LatAm and Spanish and Portuguese speaking markets with products including its SlotMatrix aggregation and exclusive content licensed and/or certified in Brazil, Columbia, Peru, Portugal, Spain, and many more territories.

Ebbe Groes, Group CEO & Co-Founder EveryMatrix, said: “This is a great step forward in both solidifying and expanding our presence in Latin America, Spain, Portugal and many other key territories as a trusted technology partner for lotteries.

“We look forward to leveraging this membership to create new, long-lasting relationships and opportunities and contributing to the growth and sustainable success of many important regulated markets.”

Rodrigo Cigliutti, Executive Director, CIBELAE, said: “The incorporation of EveryMatrix as an Associate Member of CIBELAE brings to our network a world-class B2B technology partner, renowned for delivering scalable, compliant, and innovative solutions that empower national and state-owned lotteries to modernise, expand omnichannel operations, and enhance player protection in regulated markets worldwide.”

The post EveryMatrix signals LatAm expansion plans with CIBELAE membership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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SBC Summit 2025: New Conference Track Explores Asia’s Gaming Market

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SBC Summit 2025 will provide delegates with a comprehensive overview of the latest developments shaping Asian sports betting and iGaming, delivered through its new Emerging Markets conference track.

On Thursday, 18 September 2025, at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL), the stage will bring together Asia’s leading industry figures to examine a market valued at over $18.3 billion last year. Sessions will cover how operators can navigate compliance across the continent’s diverse jurisdictions, whether India is moving towards a regulated market, and if the wider Asia-Pacific region represents the next major opportunity for international businesses.

The Asia-focused track will mark the culmination of three days of conference action on the Emerging Markets Stage. Day one will explore opportunities in Africa, and day two will analyse the markets of Eurasia and the Middle East.

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and founder of SBC, said: “If you’re building a global gaming business, you can’t afford to ignore Asia. This track makes it clear why the region belongs at the center of every long-term growth strategy.

“Asia needs a platform where regulators, operators, suppliers, and investors can talk openly. SBC is proud to provide that space, and the Emerging Markets stage is the centerpiece of that effort.”

Opening the discussion is the panel Asia: Navigating Regulation, Opportunity and Uncertainty, which will take an in-depth look at the regulatory landscape across the entire region. Here, industry experts Rory Anderson (Consultant, 12BET), Paul Fox (Chairman & Founder, Claymore Solutions), Lau Kok Keng (Head of Intellectual Property, Sports & Gaming, Rajah & Tan Singapore), Yuta Romanchenko (CBDO, Big Idea), and panel moderator Rosalind Wade (CEO, WinnaMedia) will explore contrasting jurisdictions, from the rise of alternative betting in India to Macau’s entrenched land-based sector, while also assessing which countries are most primed for investment and market entry.

India’s Regulatory Roadmap: The Next Decade for Gaming will shine a spotlight on the country’s complex state-by-state framework and the legal divide between games of skill and games of chance, which has created a unique environment: fantasy sports, lottery, and horse racing have flourished, while online gaming and traditional sports betting remain largely restricted. Bringing together Ranjana Adhikari (Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co Advocates & Solicitors), Anton Kaszubowski (Managing Director, SBC Advisory), and Japneet Singh Sethi (Chief Growth Officer – South Asia, iGaming NDA), the panel will explore whether the industry is moving toward meaningful regulation or if the grey market will continue to dominate.

The panel Philippines: Life after POGOs will bring together Dominique Laconico (President & CEO, MegaBet+ & Scorebet), Keith McDonnell (Director, KMI Group), Joe Pisano (CEO, Jade Gaming), and Marie Antonette “Tonet” Quiogue (Principal, Arden Consult) to examine the country’s shift from offshore gaming operators (POGOs) to the newly introduced PIGOs. The discussion will explore whether this transition makes the Philippines Asia’s first truly regulated market, the continuing role of PAGCOR, the fate of overseas populations once served by POGOs and the lessons other Asian jurisdictions can draw from this model.

The SBC Summit 2025 agenda also includes the Global Markets stage, which will provide a focused look at the world’s most profitable sports betting and iGaming markets. Over the course of three days, delegates will gain insights into strategies for market entry and expansion in Latin America & Brazil, Western Europe and North America.

Get your tickets for SBC Summit 2025 today!

The post SBC Summit 2025: New Conference Track Explores Asia’s Gaming Market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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AD STANDARDS COUNCIL HONORS PAGCOR CHIEF

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The Ad Standards Council (ASC) today recognized Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco for his leadership in promoting responsible advertising in the gaming industry during the council’s Patas na Patalastas Summit in Makati City.

In accepting the Plaque of Appreciation from the ASC, Mr. Tengco said the honor was not only for him but also for the men and women of PAGCOR who remain committed to fairness, truth, and accountability in discharging their responsibilities.

He also commended the ASC for its role in upholding truth, decency, and accountability in Philippine advertising.

“Industries like ours carry an even greater responsibility to protect public trust,” Mr. Tengco said. “Our partnership with ASC ensures that gambling-related advertisements are not only creative and compelling but also ethical, truthful, and mindful of their impact on society.”

The ASC and PAGCOR formalized their collaboration last July 16 through a Memorandum of Understanding requiring all gambling-related ads – whether on TV, radio, online, or outdoors – to undergo ASC review and approval before public release.

PAGCOR itself also ordered the removal of all outdoor gambling billboards as part of its stricter regulatory measures last month.

“These steps are proof that when it comes to protecting the public, we will always choose to do what is right,” the PAGCOR chief added.

The ASC summit brought together regulators, advertisers, and industry stakeholders to reinforce collaborative efforts in ensuring truthful, ethical, and accountable advertising practices in the Philippines.

The post AD STANDARDS COUNCIL HONORS PAGCOR CHIEF appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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