Latest News
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.
Latest News
Soft2Bet to showcase turnkey and gamification solutions at ICE 2025 in Barcelona
Soft2Bet will be showcasing its industry-leading iGaming turnkey solutions during meetings with partners, industry panels and new workshop sessions at ICE 2025 from 20-22 January in Barcelona at Stand 2C30.
Soft2Bet’s Senior Sales Manager Ben Scopbie-Trumper will present the group’s latest casino gamification features and mechanics during the workshop “Gamification: what’s next?”, on 21 January at 2PM at the Soft2Bet stand.
The workshop will provide an in-depth perspective into MEGA’s player engagement strategies and how they boost customer lifetime values, screentime and revenues, all the while providing sustainable business models and returns.
- Soft2Bet’s turnkey solutions provide comprehensive online gaming and betting product portfolios to its B2B partners. The services are implemented to deliver full differentiation that increases LTVs through enhanced personalisation.
- Available through off-the-shelf or bespoke packages that maintain operators’ flexibility, Soft2Bet’s data-driven insights optimise customer retention.
- MEGA’s unique gamification options are delivered through a simple API-led integration process.
- The ‘Gamification: what’s next?’ workshop is a unique opportunity to discover how the iGaming industry’s leading gamification solution raises performance levels at the same time as it drives sustainable profitability and major revenue increases for operators.
The past 12 months have seen Soft2Bet obtain licences in major markets such as Mexico, Ontario in Canada, Sweden, Greece and Romania. This regulatory and commercial expansion has been carried out in coordination with the launch of our brands in those countries and further extending our technology services to these territories to serve other partners. The group will be following all this up with swift expansions into new markets in 2025
The next 12 months will also see Soft2Bet focus on New Jersey, a key iGaming state in the US, and Spain, an important European market.
Martin Collins, Chief Business Development Officer at Soft2Bet, commented: “At the start of 2024 we wanted to focus on commercial growth and regulatory expansion and I’m delighted to say that we have achieved and in many cases surpassed those objectives. Our MEGA workshop will feature even more updates and insights into how gamification drives revenues for our partners. See you there!”
The post Soft2Bet to showcase turnkey and gamification solutions at ICE 2025 in Barcelona appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Stand and deliver! Play’n GO heads to the highways with Midnight Gold
Play’n GO unveils Midnight Gold, a spiritual successor to the 2023 blockbuster title Highway Legends.
This thrilling 5×3 online slot offers 20 fixed paylines, stunning visuals, and an array of innovative features to keep players on the edge of their seats.
Narratively, players join a ragtag unit of daring rogues as they leave the daylight behind for a moonlit heist of epic proportions. Racing through shadowy highways and unforgiving terrains, their quest for gleaming treasures is fraught with challenges and perilous challenges…
With the Deliver Feature, Treasure Chests and Cash Bag symbols bring multipliers ranging from x2 up to an impressive x250. Free Spins provide players with a choice between Stacked Wilds, which span three positions, or Roaming Wilds, which hold over and move to random positions for even more potential wins.
Building on its legacy of innovative gameplay, Midnight Gold introduces Mystery Instant Wins, where Scatters can randomly reveal multipliers of up to x20, adding excitement to every spin. The high stakes peak with Super Free Spins, triggered by landing a special gold Scatter symbol. Every spin in this mode guarantees a Wild Multiplier, enhancing the chance for legendary rewards.
The game’s dark tones and gleaming accents create a captivating contrast, immersing players in a sleek and sophisticated heist experience. Fans of Play’n GO’s adventure-packed slots such as the aforementioned Highway Legends and Undefeated Xerxes will feel right at home with Midnight Gold. Like Highway Legends, which charmed players with its thrilling heist narrative and fast-paced gameplay – Midnight Gold takes the action to new heights with its nocturnal setting and refined features.
Meanwhile, the bold ambition and reward potential of Undefeated Xerxes find a fitting counterpart in the high-octane historical drama of Midnight Gold. With its blend of engaging storytelling and innovative mechanics, this title continues Play’n GO’s tradition of delivering unforgettable gaming experiences.
Magnus Wallentin, Games Ambassador at Play’n GO, said: “Midnight Gold brings the period drama action to life, combining engaging features with striking visuals. From the Deliver Feature to the Guaranteed Multipliers in Super Free Spins, this game is all about rewarding gameplay and building on top of the foundations that make our historical slots so great.”
With its engaging mechanics and polished design: Midnight Gold is set to shine as another one of Play’n GO’s classic titles.
The post Stand and deliver! Play’n GO heads to the highways with Midnight Gold appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Booming Games shine with new 64 Gold Coins Hold & Win
New Year, new… game! As we welcome in 2025, we also welcome a brand new slot from Booming Games – the super 64 Gold Coins Hold & Win.
This shiny new arrival boasts all the hallmarks of a classic. A 5×5, 30-payline slot with the famous casino symbols you’ve grown to love – lemons, cherries, lucky 7s and more. But this Hold & Win comes with a tantalising twist.
While many Hold & Win games require six coins in the base game to trigger the feature, you can do it here with just five. That launches the Coin Blitz Hold and Win, where every coin resets the spin counter, increasing your chance of landing a Mini, Minor, Major or Grand Jackpot. And that biggest pot can give you up to 1,000x your stake.
That’s not the only way to win, of course. Discover a Coin Blitz symbol and the coin will spin, revealing either the Boost (randomly increasing coin values) or the Grid Expand – which turns the 5×5 into an 8×8.
You can do the math from there. Your task is to fill that grid with 64 coins and unearth a wild win of 10,000x your original bet.
As with all of the provider’s titles, 64 Gold Coins Hold & Win has been certified for launch in core regulated markets including the UK, Sweden and all Malta jurisdictions.
Nemanja Živić, Director of Games at Booming Games, said: “Forget your resolutions, 64 Gold Coins Hold & Win is a New Year’s revelation! We love shiny new things and this ticks every single box. A classic casino feel with fresh, fun features – and the chance to win up to 10,000x your bet. Booming Games have delivered a sure-fire favourite to start the New Year in style.”
The post Booming Games shine with new 64 Gold Coins Hold & Win appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Latest News3 months ago
MIRACL partners with Continent 8 to offer its single-step passwordless MFA solution to simplify the login experience
-
Latest News3 months ago
ACR Poker’s OSS XL Exceeds Guarantee With Over $46 Million In Prize Pools
-
Latest News3 months ago
Match of LeGGends: Double Down. Highlights of the show match between NAVI and Team Vitality
-
Latest News3 months ago
FBMDS and FBM Foundation host solidarity keepy-uppy initiative at G2E Las Vegas 2024
-
Latest News3 months ago
NEW HORIZONS FOR ZETTAONLINE AFTER SBC SUMMIT
-
Latest News3 months ago
1spin4win joins forces with SoftGamings to bring classic slots to new markets
-
Latest News3 months ago
Paysafe launches strategic partnership with GiG
-
Latest News3 months ago
How Slot Gamers Shape Storylines Through Interactive Choices
You must be logged in to post a comment Login