Rapid Expansion Anticipated in Asian Pacific Gaming Sector, According to Research Findings
Gambling in Asia is set to soar, according to a new study by Mordor Intelligence, as reported by Asia Gambling Brief. The region's growth will primarily be driven by the gaming industries of Macau, Singapore, and the Philippines.
Even though the COVID-19 pandemic sent shockwaves through the land-based sector, leading to numerous casino closures, it proved to be a catalyst for online gambling. With the proliferation of mobile phones, the internet, and easy-to-use payment systems, online gambling services became more accessible than ever, especially in Asia where 71.6% of players prefer mobile betting.
Several factors drive the growth of online gambling in the region. Apart from the continued proliferation of smartphones and digital infrastructure, the legalization of online gambling and the emergence of regulated markets are significant contributors. The appeal of gambling entertainment is also heightened by advancements in virtual and augmented reality technologies.
By 2026, the online gambling segment is predicted to reach a whopping $4.6 billion, with India being the only nation to achieve this milestone.
In other gaming news, researchers in the UK discovered what motivates students to gamble, DraftKings made an investment in AI dealers, and the European Union is preparing electronic identifiers for players. Keep updated with the latest gaming news on sporting.net.
Breaking Down the Online Gambling Market in Asia
The global gambling market revenue is expected to reach a staggering $449.69 billion by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.21% until 2029. Online sports betting, a significant segment of the digital gambling landscape, is projected to generate $77.21 billion in global revenue by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 5.30% from 2025 to 2029.
While specific Asia-wide online gambling market figures for 2026 haven't been explicitly stated, regional reports and forecasts indicate a robust momentum. For instance, Macau's Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) is expected to recover to approximately 92% of its pre-pandemic levels by 2027, and regulatory changes in Thailand are poised to unlock substantial mass-market and digital gambling potential.
The Rise of Mobile Betting
Smartphones and mobile internet have been key drivers for online gambling, making betting more accessible and convenient for users. Mobile platforms offer improved user experience, live betting, and real-time notifications, leading to increased engagement and spend per user. In countries like Thailand, the mass market is expected to drive the growth, with mobile platforms being well-suited to capture this segment.
The Impact of COVID-19
The pandemic led to an increase in online gambling activity as land-based venues closed or faced restrictions, accelerating the shift to digital platforms. Many consumers who tried online and mobile betting during lockdowns have continued using these channels post-pandemic, driving sustained higher growth rates than those seen before COVID-19. Some governments also moved to better regulate online gambling to capture tax revenue and tackle the surge in unregulated online betting during the pandemic.
Asian Highlights
- Macau: With a projected GGR growth of 5% month-on-month in May 2025, and recovery to near pre-pandemic levels by 2027.
- Thailand: Legalization of casinos and online gambling could lead to rapid growth, given the large tourist base and a ready market of gamblers looking to shift to regulated platforms.
- The circulation of online gambling services has expanded significantly in Asia, spearheaded by the widespread use of mobile phones, internet, and digital payment systems.
- The proliferation of technology in Asia, particularly in regards to virtual and augmented reality, adds to the appeal of casino-and-gambling activities, both online and in physical casinos.
- Singapore, alongside Macau and the Philippines, is one of the regions seeing growth in the gaming industry, boosted by the legalization of online gambling and the emergence of regulated markets.
- Online sports-betting is a major contributor to the digital gambling sector's growth worldwide, earning $77.21 billion in global revenue by 2025, while Asia is anticipated to maintain a robust momentum in this area.
- The authorities in Thailand are planning to introduce electronic identifiers for players as part of an effort to regulate online gambling and capture tax revenue, making the industry more secure and legitimate.
