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DMCC Publishes Latest “Future of Trade” Report on Gaming and Esports

Published

2 years ago

May 30, 2023

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Gaming revenues are expected to almost double by 2027 from 2021 in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, reaching USD 6 billion, according to DMCC’s latest Future of Trade 2023 report titled “Gaming in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Geared for growth”. A young and digital-savvy population, high levels of digital connectivity, and government support are driving the region’s emergence as a consumer and creator hub.

Gaming and esports are both fast growing consumer segments, benefiting from rapid advancements in technology as well as broader and more inclusive audiences. The UAE and Saudi Arabia lead the region, supported by high income levels, strong digital engagement, and public investment initiatives. Globally, Asia Pacific constitutes the largest market share and China, the US and Japan are the largest individual markets.

The report gathers contributions from key industry leaders to establish the critical drivers of the industry’s accelerated growth in the MENA region and beyond. It also examines the impact on gaming and esports from a technology, culture and business perspective, covering global consumer trends, the emergence of MENA as a gaming and esports hub, and the key challenges that the industry needs to address to increase revenues further.

Guiding the global industry’s accelerated growth from nearly USD 200 billion in revenues in 2021 to USD 340 billion in 2027, the report outlines a set of key recommendations for governments and businesses, namely:

Diversify esports revenue streams from sponsorship to new direct-to-fan monetisation models – including digital merchandising, loyalty programmes and training platforms for amateur gamers – to boost revenues.
Develop appropriate regulatory safeguards to ensure privacy, security and safety online in the digital gaming ecosystem and provide a business-friendly environment – including smoother visa systems to allow esports professionals and audiences to attend live events – to attract talent into the region and elevate it into a global industry leader.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said: “Gaming has come to the fore of entertainment globally, driving rapid growth especially in the MENA region, which now constitutes 15% of the global player base. The rise of gamification in areas such as education, healthcare, and other sectors has demonstrated gaming’s role in facilitating economic activity more broadly. Ensuring the accelerated growth of the gaming sector will have a measurable impact on the future of markets around the world, as well as the future of trade. As DMCC seeks to solidify Dubai’s reputation as a global trade and economic hub, efficiently activating opportunities within the gaming sector will prove essential.”

Among the most closely watched segments is esports, which is expected to post revenue growth of 23.3% between 2019 and 2024 in MENA. Fuelling this is the region’s young demographic, engagement from international broadcasters and sponsors, and government support. Tapping into this economic potential, DMCC partnered with YaLLa Esports, the Dubai-based professional esports organisation, to launch the DMCC Gaming Centre in December 2022. The Centre supports the growth of the industry in Dubai by providing gaming businesses with access to global capital, leading industry talent, and an ecosystem that allows them to operate efficiently and with confidence.

Due to the UAE’s strong business environment and infrastructure, as well as its status as a gateway to the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions, various international gaming developers have set up their regional headquarters in the country. Ubisoft is based in Abu Dhabi, while the gaming giant Tencent set up its MENA HQ in Dubai along with Riot Games. In Saudi Arabia, the kingdom has included gaming as a core element of its Neom project and has already made investments worth over $1.7 billion on the gaming industry.

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Gaming in Germany Conference confirms new speakers, breakout program

Published

10 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Adrienn Sarkany

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Gaming in Germany Conference, which will take place November 11 in Berlin, has added several new speakers to its already impressive agenda.

Sebastian Buchholz, Head of Licensing and Market Supervision, Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), will deliver the event’s keynote address.

The operator’s perspective will be well represented at this year’s Gaming in Germany Conference, with Christian Heins, Director iGaming Tipico; Alex Green, Vice President – Games, ZEAL Network; and Ewout Keuleers, former General Counsel, Kindred Group all confirmed to make an appearance at our event.

Naturally, attendees will also hear from both German and European trade associations, with Dr. Dirk Quermann, President, Deutscher Online Casinoverband (DOCV); Mathias Dahms, President, Deutscher Sportwettenverband (DSWV); and Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) contributing.

Willem van Oort, founder of Gaming in Germany commented: “I am extremely pleased with this year’s speaker lineup. I think it speaks of the relevance of our event, and especially the key topics that we are highlighting this year: the threat of the black market and the evaluation of the 2021 State Gambling Treaty. I see that licensed operators are highly committed to making the German iGaming market more sustainable and competitive and I am very happy that we are trusted to play a role in promoting fruitful discussion and debate on these topics.”

“As the event takes place while the evaluation of the 2021 State Gambling Treaty is ongoing, this is certainly the time to be part of the conversation,” van Oort added.

Breakout program and networking opportunities

In addition to its main program, the Gaming in Germany Conference will also feature several highly practical breakout sessions on data compliance, game certification, RG, live casino, eSports, and much more.

The full agenda, including breakout program, is available here.

In addition to a loaded program, the Gaming in Germany Conference also offers plenty of networking opportunities during pre-conference dinner, coffee breaks, lunch, and concluding networking drinks.

Practical information

The 2025 Gaming in Germany Conference takes place Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the DoubleTree Hilton Ku’damm in Berlin – just 100 meters from the magnificent Kurfürstendamm.

The post Gaming in Germany Conference confirms new speakers, breakout program appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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PAGCOR LAUNCHES DIGITAL SPACE FOR GAD

Published

11 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Adrienn Sarkany

Reading Time: < 1 minute

PAGCOR proudly launched today its Gender and Development (GAD) Digital Corner dedicated to promoting gender equality, empowerment, inclusivity, and diversity within the organization and beyond.

The digital space features comprehensive GAD-related contents including the latest news and announcements, significant laws and issuances, projects and activities, and other beneficial resources.

The PAGCOR Digital Corner will be displayed as wallpaper on all office desktops with the new GAD logo and a QR code directing to the GAD Digital Corner website from October 16 to November 16, 2025.

This initiative highlights PAGCOR’s continuing support to gender equality and inclusivity in the workplace, in relation to Republic Act No. 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women.

The post PAGCOR LAUNCHES DIGITAL SPACE FOR GAD appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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GMONITOR PUBLISHES THE ONLINE GAMING REPORT IN SPAIN – Q2 2025

Published

11 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Adrienn Sarkany

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Gmonitor.ai presents its new Online Gaming Market Report: Spain Q2 2025, which provides an in-depth analysis of the DGOJ data on the regulated market between April and June of this year.

The report places Spanish online gaming in a stage of consolidation: year-on-year growth of 18.6% (€410.3 million in GGR) confirms the strength of the sector, but also the transition towards a more mature market, a trend driven by technology, regulation and operator loyalty. The two leading verticals, online casinos and sports betting, account for more than 94% of revenue, with €216.4 million and €171.4 million respectively.

In addition to financial analysis, the study delves into player behaviour patterns, highlighting a 23.7% increase in deposits and a 28.9% increase in withdrawals, reflecting greater liquidity and spending per active user. However, the number of new accounts registered fell by 11.6% compared to the previous quarter, a sign that the market is beginning to mature and focus more on retention than acquisition.

“The Spanish market has entered a phase where data, regulation and player loyalty define profitability. Gmonitor converts this information into a competitive advantage and lower costs for all players in the sector”, highlights the Gmonitor team.

The document devotes specific sections to casinos, betting, poker and bingo, as well as the regulatory environment and medium- and long-term strategic prospects. The report is available for download and can be complemented with a personalised demonstration of the platform, where users can explore how they can generate their own reports and access more granular information tailored to each user and organisation.

The post GMONITOR PUBLISHES THE ONLINE GAMING REPORT IN SPAIN – Q2 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.