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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.

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PropellerAds launches localized platform in China

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PropellerAds, one of the world’s leading advertising platforms, is proud to announce the official launch of the Chinese-language version of propellerads.com with native support team, marking a major step in its strategic expansion across East Asia. The announcement comes in response to growing regional demand for industry-leading advertising platforms specializing in high growth sectors, including gaming and e-commerce.

To mark the launch, a Chinese version of the PropellerAds website is now live, complete with full translation and a dedicated team of native-speaking experts to support Chinese-speaking clients. This has been complemented by an official WeChat channel where updates, insights, and company news updates will be shared directly with its Chinese-speaking audiences.

As a global market leader in digital advertising with 15 daily billion ad impressions across over 195 GEOs, PropellerAds brings over a decade of proven success to the Chinese market. Its deep expertise in performance-driven formats like Popunder, Push Notifications, and Telegram Mini Apps, has helped thousands of advertisers scale their campaigns worldwide. Now, Chinese-speaking clients can benefit directly from this global experience, expert support, and strategic tools tailored to their needs,  empowering them to reach international audiences with precision and confidence.

“We’re excited to deepen our relationships in the Chinese market,” said Matvey Shmidt, Sales Director at PropellerAds.

“Our goal is to empower advertisers and partners in China with the tools, support, and insights they need to succeed globally. For the first time, Chinese clients can benefit from our global expertise while accessing a multisource advertising platform designed to local demands and needs.”

In addition to its established ad formats, PropellerAds continues to innovate with new channels such as Telegram Mini Apps, Survey Exit, and In-Page Push, providing advertisers with access to audiences and engagement opportunities. These formats expand the platform’s capabilities beyond traditional web placements, with brands reaching high-intent users across multiple ecosystems with precision targeting and performance-driven optimization.

PropellerAds recently made a successful appearance at China Joy, one of Asia’s largest digital entertainment expos, where the team connected with hundreds of partners and advertisers, and Global Traffic Conference in Shenzen. Looking ahead, PropellerAds will be attending GTC in Shanghai this November, continuing its mission to foster meaningful partnerships and drive innovation in the region.

Shmidt continued: “This launch reaffirms PropellerAds as a global leader in digital advertising, offering scalable solutions and localized support to help businesses grow across borders, with this being the first in a series of new launches we will be announcing in the region soon. We look forward to meeting our clients and speaking with interested clients at GTC in Shanghai.”

You can visit PropellerAds at stand B69, at GTC in Shanghai, on 5th and 6th of November.

The post PropellerAds launches localized platform in China appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Advantech Introduces DPX-S460: Empowering Gaming with AMD’s 8000 Series APU

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Advantech has released DPX-S460, the newest member of its S-series gaming platform family. Powered by AMD’s Ryzen Embedded 8000 Series APUs, the DPX-S460 combines cutting-edge Zen 4 architecture, RDNA3 graphics and integrated AI acceleration, making it a game-changer in regulated gaming markets.

“The DPX-S460 exemplifies our dedication to leveraging advanced technologies to create powerful and flexible gaming solutions. With AMD’s 8000 Series chipset, we’re delivering a platform that meets the most demanding requirements of the gaming industry,” said Craig Stapleton, Product Director for Advantech.

The DPX-S460 brings advanced capabilities to gaming OEMs, including:

• Graphics Excellence: Radeon RDNA3 graphics cores supporting four independent 4K monitors

• AI Acceleration: Integrated XDNA neural processing unit for edge AI applications

• Versatile Power Options: Compatible with both 12V DC single input and ATX power supplies

• Backward Compatibility: Designed to integrate seamlessly with 10 generations of previous S-series products

• Optimized for the Gaming Industry.

The DPX-S460 delivers a high-performance, scalable platform tailored for regulated gaming markets. Its backward compatibility ensures a robust return on investment for existing customers, while its forward-looking design supports next-generation gaming experiences.

The post Advantech Introduces DPX-S460: Empowering Gaming with AMD’s 8000 Series APU appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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NagaWorld Achieves Exceptional Great Place To Work Certification with Near-Perfect 95% Trust Index Score

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NagaCorp Ltd. together with its subsidiary NagaWorld, a leading Integrated Resort in the Mekong Region, announced that it has recently been Certified by Great Place To Work, a global authority on workplace culture. This prestigious certification, earned with an exceptional Trust Index score of 95%, is based entirely on direct and anonymous employee feedback. A high score indicates a positive work environment where employees felt empowered to be their best selves in a safe work environment while receiving fair recognition, rewards and opportunities for growth.

“It is encouraging and inspiring to see the practice of workplace culture and excellence being cultivated and recognised in Cambodia and being valued by each member in our company. We are both humbled by this international recognition and immensely proud of each member of our Naga family who through their passion for improving livelihoods come to the workplace everyday, not only to work, but to learn, to deliver and to promote the Khmer culture to the world through the works we collectively do. This certification is a recognition of the collective spirit and dedication of every member of our Naga family,” said Mr. Chen Yiy Fon, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director of NagaCorp.

“We will mark this milestone in our ‘Shaping Tomorrow, Together’ journey, which places our people at the core of everything we do. We are immensely proud of our team of over 6000 professionals. This recognition is possible because of you. We congratulate our fellow recipients in Cambodia who have received Great Place to Work certification and together let us continue to build and foster a workplace environment of excellence, integrity, and mutual respect where productivity can thrive and flourish,” Chen Yiy Fon added.

The post NagaWorld Achieves Exceptional Great Place To Work Certification with Near-Perfect 95% Trust Index Score appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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