- The law comes first
- Breaking news by country
- Challenges for operators targeting the Asian market
- Advantages of opening an online casino in Asia-Pacific region
- 2025: An overview of the market in Asia
- Gaming preferences in Asia
- Payments in Asia for online casinos
- Blockchain is taking over Asia
- SoftGamings. Big steps for setting up the online casino in Asia
- Step 1. Choosing trustworthy software providers
- Step 2. Selecting engaging gambling content
- Step 3.Obtain a gaming license quickly
- Step 4. Get reliable and trusted payment solutions
- Step 5. Create a site that will captivate visitors
- Step 6. Concentrate on marketing and promotion activities
- How much does it cost to open a casino
- In conclusion
One of the most dynamic hotspots on the iGaming map in 2025 is Asia, where the clash of strict regulations and a thriving underground gambling culture is shaping the future of online gaming.
Asia is like a magnet for new online casino operators, especially its Southeast region: from Indonesia to Malaysia, from Thailand to the Philippines. It is home to a thriving economy and 60% of the world's population. iGaming Asia is juggling new challenges, advantages, and tempting business opportunities. Software providers, game developers, and online casino operators must undoubtedly stay on top of things as they enter the$1.54 billion market in 2025.
Don't miss the opportunity to launch an online casino in Asia — competitors can seize the initiative at any moment! SoftGamings will help you sort through the strict regulations and conservative views of local authorities to make you a leader in Asian online gambling.
The law comes first
Breaking news by country
In 2025, some Asian governments are looking to fully regulate the gambling sector. For example, the Philippines continues to develop its gambling industry and India already has regulated gambling zones. The APAC region's gambling market is expected to grow to $132 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.24%. Today, this figure is an impressive $99 billion. But what is the situation with the legalization of gambling in individual countries?
| Country | Features and rules |
|---|---|
| China dominates the market despite taboos in mainland China | Gambling in China is known for its three-century history. Meng Tzu and other dynasties expressed their displeasure with such practices, but gambling continued to flourish. The gaming industry in 2024 shows a whopping $674 million in profits from gambling. Despite the strict prohibitions of Article 303 of the PRC Criminal Code on unauthorized gambling, the Macau region with legalized betting earned $14.14 billion in 2024. Today, more than nearly 340 casinos in Southeast Asia target Chinese players. Although gambling is illegal in the country itself, you can try card games, craps, roulette, video slots, video poker in Hong Kong and Macau. The Asian Las Vegas is located right here! |
| Japan is a place where gambling is strictly regulated | In Japan, only lotteries and betting on horse races, bicycle races, and motorcycle races are allowed. All other forms of gambling are illegal under Article 185 of the Penal Code. Although online slots, roulette and blackjack are illegal in Japan, offshore sites operate in a gray area. At the moment, Japanese authorities are considering. |
| Philippines — one of the few places in Asia where you can | The Philippines stands out among the countries in the Asia-Pacific region. It is dominated by a licensed casino industry, accessible to locals, legal online gambling sector. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation is responsible for licensing and regulating online gambling, but these companies are not authorized to provide their services to locals in the Philippines. PAGCOR regulates, manages, permits and licenses gambling. |
| New Zealand — the best conditions for operators | More than 3.6 million people in New Zealand are actively involved in gambling. According to the Gambling Act 2003, online casinos are legal in the region, subject to government approval. there is no law in New Zealand that prohibits gambling in casinos hosted on servers outside the country. |
| Indonesia — full of bans | The only legal gambling is a licensed online lottery. Other online gambling is prohibited. In early 2025 alone, Indonesian authorities blocked more than 43,000 advertisements in the country. |
| India, where not only cricket is loved | In India, casino games are regulated by state laws. Since they are gambling, it means they are subject to the restrictions of most laws in the region. However, Sikkim stands out by allowing casino games such as roulette and blackjack when licensed under the Online Gaming Regulation Act 2008. Sikkim is overseen by the Department of Finance, Revenue and Expenditure. In India, a new regulatory system has been introduced in 2023 to establish self-regulatory bodies to include online gambling businesses. |
| Australia — writes important amendments to the laws | 73% of the population participates in online and land-based gambling. The Interactive Gambling Act (IGA), passed in 2001, aims to protect players from the risks of web gambling and also prohibits operators from offering unlicensed services. From September 29, 2024, all online gambling providers in Australia must undergo an Australian Customer Identification Process (ACIP) before creating an account or providing services. |
As a result, only the Philippines and India have established regulatory frameworks for gambling. To cover Australian players, a license from another reputable jurisdiction (Anjouan, Malta, Curacao or the Isle of Man) would be needed. In other cases, the online casino operator will have to scrutinize local laws to avoid being hit with a hefty fine.
Challenges for operators targeting the Asian market
Experts leave optimistic forecasts for the iGaming sector in Asia, but warn operators about pitfalls and serious challenges:
- Problem No. 1 is the lack of a unified regulatory framework. Some countries have strict gambling regulations, while others are more liberal. And poor Chinese with an absolute ban on casinos in the country have to use VPNs to find bets, slots and roulette. This creates confusion for operators looking to expand across the region. Licenses in offshore jurisdictions, Canavaca, Isle of Man, Curacao, Malta, etc. can help circumvent these difficulties.
- The increase in fraudulent activities and money laundering through illegal online gambling multiplies the measures, strict regulations and recommendations of the authorities. It is important for operators to be alert and implement robust security systems.
- Strong competition in the market. Indonesia and Thailand are pulling out in the race to dominate the market in 2025, which puts additional pressure on operators. They now need to offer exclusive and even more attractive offers to differentiate themselves from the 'tigers'.
- Technological changes. Operators will have to deftly adapt to new trends such as the use of AI and blockchain technologies in 2025 to remain competitive.
SoftGamings recommends flexibility and innovation to effortlessly grow and thrive in the dynamically changing gambling market.
Advantages of opening an online casino in Asia-Pacific region
APAC is like the quiet kid in class who suddenly realizes he is a math genius. While regulatory hurdles still keep the market relatively depressed, it is increasingly showing signs of awakening. When it does, be ready!
Trends contributing to the development of the gambling market in Asia:
- Rapid development of virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies. Forecasts show that the CAGR for VR gaming is set to jump 30.2% from 2020 to 2027.
- Rising popularity of blockchain technology. More and more iGaming platforms are accepting cryptocurrencies. And this makes the betting process secure, anonymous and transparent.
- Regulation and legislation. The online gambling market is expected to reach $158 billion by 2028, of which 87% will be regulated segments. This creates a more stable environment for operators.
- Cybersports. A fast-growing sector in Asia, with total betting volume increasing rapidly to reach the $1306 million mark.
- Mobile versions of online casinos are attracting new audiences. Users are increasingly looking for quick access to their favorite slots or blackjack. Operators are already actively looking for ready-made software solutions and API integrations that provide real-time access to the platforms.
2025: An overview of the market in Asia
Gaming preferences in Asia
Asia-Pacific is gearing up to be the next frontier for iGaming. The trend of mergers and acquisitions is coming to the fore here. Key players are vying for leadership based on the diversity of offerings and quality of content. An online casino in Asia will be successful if it has:
- Innovative offerings
- High quality content
- A broad portfolio of top providers
- Strong brand equity
- Diverse payment methods
The gambling sector in the region is driven mainly by offshore Chinese players who circumvent China's strict laws. The most common games in APAC are considered to be:
- Popular card games
- Poker Hold'em and Omaha
- Big 2, Badugi and Guandan games
- Slots, which are far ahead of games with live dealers.
Today, in Asian countries with strict gambling bans, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, there is a growing demand for online poker. Increasingly, it is tempting operators to work in a social casino format. The Philippines is the Mecca of gambling, but the lack of responsible gambling mechanisms has led to social problems and increased regulation. The situation is also complicated in Cambodia — here online gambling is legal, but casinos do not use it due to pressure from China.
Notably, 37% of women and 63% of men are involved in gambling in Asia, with 95% of them playing on mobile devices. And the Philippines has seen an outstanding increase of 63% in the number of female bettors.
Payments in Asia for online casinos
Asia is at the forefront of the global shift towards mobile wallets. With the advent of Alipay, WeChat Pay, Paytm and GCash platforms, digital payment systems have been easily integrated into everyday life. With a large tech-savvy population and ubiquitous internet usage, mobile wallets are becoming a trend and important tools for financial transactions. They are characterized by convenience and speed in processing withdrawal requests, deposit enhanced security, instant access to promotions and rewards.
Other payment methods are also popular in some Asian countries. For example, in Japan they use JCB and Visa credit cards more often, in India — Paytm and UPI. In Singapore, users prefer to use GrabPay and NETS.
Blockchain is taking over Asia
Cryptocurrencies are gaining popularity in gambling, especially in Southeast Asia. Cryptocasinos offer a number of advantages that attract customers:
- Anonymity, high level of privacy.
- Fast transactions to enhance the gaming experience.
- Absence of currency restrictions.
- Access to exclusive games and bonuses.
With these factors in mind, cryptocasinos are becoming an important part of the gambling industry in Asia, attracting both experienced players and newcomers seeking new opportunities in the world of online gambling.
SoftGamings. Big steps for setting up the online casino in Asia
Step 1. Choosing trustworthy software providers
SoftGamings can help by offering a comprehensive package that includes access to 10,000 multi-lingual and mobile games from over 250 leading iGaming providers through a single API integration, providing a complete gaming solution.
High-quality gambling software has a significant impact on casino performance. Partner with a reliable software provider and carefully evaluate pricing, guarantees, game content, certification and technical support. It can be difficult to focus on business goals during the pre-launch phase.
Step 2. Selecting engaging gambling content
SoftGamings solution brings together 250+ iGaming providers and 10,000+ mobile, multilingual games with gamification features available through a single API integration. We handle updates, game mechanics and regulatory changes, saving you time and resources.
To attract a crowd, focus on a variety of gaming options: seamlessly integrated popular slots, poker, roulette, blackjack, bingo and baccarat. A live casino with real dealers and streaming is a must for an authentic atmosphere. Don't forget to add virtual sports and a sportsbook to experience the excitement of betting! With SoftGamings, you can expand your game library and keep having fun.
Step 3.Obtain a gaming license quickly
The licensing process can take over a month, for a quicker start consider White Label Casino from SoftGamings. Our team assists with AML/CFT compliance, tax counseling, banking solutions and payment processing assistance.
Leading gambling jurisdictions include the UK, Malta, Alderney, Isle of Man, Curacao and Gibraltar. Factors to consider when choosing a jurisdiction include its reputation, license validity and cost
Step 4. Get reliable and trusted payment solutions
Unlock your online casino's potential with SoftGamings! Our robust payment processing platform features multi-currency support, top-notch anti-fraud measures, and seamless integration with 150+ payment systems for unmatched flexibility and reliability.
By connecting a payment aggregator of SoftGamings, you get:
- Access 150+ payment providers
- 2000+ solutions within one integration
- Access to a huge number of GEO, including Turkey, Latam, Asia
- Selection of rates individually for the client
- Convenient back office with statistics
- Technical support 24/7
It's essential to ensure that your casino integrates with major e-payment systems. To establish secure payment methods, partner with multiple transaction providers that prioritize security.
Step 5. Create a site that will captivate visitors
Design matters! An attractive website is essential for attracting and retaining customers while enhancing your brand's value. Aim for distinctive, high-quality design without overwhelming users with excessive graphics. Prioritize seamless integration and intuitive navigation for optimal performance. If you need help creating a standout casino website, SoftGamings provides redesign solutions, customizable templates, and expert support to realize your vision!
Bet Builder's visual enhancement will be needed for usability, easier navigation and bet placement. Key tips for building a casino website:
- Visual appeal and responsive design
- Brand differentiation
- Easy navigation
- Simplified graphics
- Seamless integration
- Performance optimization.
Step 6. Concentrate on marketing and promotion activities
Marketing is the crucial final step in launching your online casino. To ensure success, develop a robust marketing strategy and an effective affiliate system to boost engagement and traffic. SoftGamings seamlessly integrates with top affiliate management programs like NetRefer, IncomeAccess, EGASS, and Unisender. To attract new players and retain loyal ones, implement loyalty programs, enticing bonus systems, and retention campaigns. Analyze your competitors to learn from their missteps and refine your own approach. While establishing a gambling business may seem daunting, partnering with SoftGamings can simplify the process and expedite the creation of your efficient casino site.
Online casino software tailored for the APAC market must fulfill key criteria:
- security
- simple and flexible administration
- efficient affiliate program management system
- variety of bonuses and payments (with cryptocurrency processing)
- availability of a well-developed mobile-version or application for iOS, Android
Introducing a betting platform to online casinos and creating a seamless user interface with a shared wallet for gambling and sports betting significantly increase the competitiveness of the business in APAC. SoftGamings' software ecosystem is designed to quickly enter the Latin American market and is ready to help operators every step of the way.
How much does it cost to open a casino
Costs are incurred during both pre-launch and post-launch phases. Pre-launch expenses typically comprise:
- 30-40% for software setup
- 30-40% for marketing
- 10-20% for licensing, along with other costs, including salaries
The initial development phase usually demands more financial investment than the ongoing maintenance phase.
In conclusion
Opening an online casino in Asia in 2025 is a complex process that requires careful planning and understanding of the local market. SoftGamings is ready to help at every stage, from advising on legalization conditions to choosing the best strategy for your business. We are here to ensure the successful launch of your online casino.
Our experts will help you build a strong network of partners, optimize SEO and use effective marketing strategies to attract new customers and increase your market share. SoftGamings knows all about the legal nuances of the Asian market, so we can ensure you have the necessary licenses, certifications and strategies to comply with all laws. You don't have to wait for the awakening of a titan in the world of gambling, become one!
