The iGaming sector in Asia Pacific (APAC) is experiencing explosive growth, with 2025 poised to be a pivotal year. From live casinos and sports betting to the latest advancements in real-time streaming and mobile phone access, the APAC region is not just thriving; it’s reshaping the global iGaming landscape. Driven by cultural influences, advancements in video delivery technology, and shifting consumer behaviors, this region offers vast opportunities, but only for those with the right strategy.
This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about iGaming’s growth trajectory in APAC, the hurdles streaming operators face, and how innovative and consistent solutions like Dolby OptiView are solving them.
APAC iGaming market projections
The APAC iGaming industry is forecasted to generate significant revenues, with online betting projected to surpass $94 billion by 2027. This rapid growth is fueled by increasing smartphone penetration, high-speed internet, and a flourishing mobile gaming scene.
Key market segments include live casinos and sports betting, with the latter emerging as the largest revenue generator. Major regional hubs like Japan, India, and the Philippines are shaping the future of APAC iGaming with their unique trends and shifts toward digital engagement.
Live casino growth
The allure of real-time gameplay combined with a social, interactive experience is resonating deeply with APAC audiences. Popular types of games include:
- Roulette and blackjack: The classics lead the charge in markets like the Philippines and India.
- Game shows: Unique, interactive formats like Evolution Gaming’s Dream Catcher are gaining attention.
- Localized games: APAC players gravitate toward culturally specific games like Sic Bo in China and Pachinko in Japan.
Features like Multiview, live dealer and player chat, along with custom bet options, captivate a diverse audience by delivering a personalized experience that deeply connects with the iGaming community.
A notable, growing trend across iGaming is social streaming. If you’re not familiar with the term, social streaming refers to the integration of live video streaming with interactive social features, allowing players to watch, engage, and participate in gaming experiences in real-time. It combines elements like live chat, community interaction, and shared gameplay moments, creating a dynamic and connected environment for players.
Live sports betting on the rise
Sports betting is taking APAC by storm. Driven by a sports-loving culture and the region’s appetite for real-time wagers, live sports betting represents the fastest-growing segment, particularly in countries like India and the Philippines.
- Cricket: Often referred to as a religion in India, boasts an estimated 836 million fans, making it the most popular sport in the country and a unifying cultural phenomenon.
- Kabaddi: While less globally recognized, Kabaddi has surged in popularity domestically, especially with the advent of the Pro Kabaddi League, drawing millions of viewers annually.
Sports betting in India, particularly for cricket, has complex legal considerations, with traditional forms largely deemed illegal but online betting falling into a grey area. Sikkim, Goa, and Nagaland have regulated and licensed betting systems, allowing certain forms of gambling, including online platforms, under strict conditions. We discuss this in more detail in our regional spotlight section below.
APAC is also seeing a rapid increase in sports betting for the following:
- Football & Basketball: These sports enjoy widespread popularity across Southeast Asia, with football being a unifying passion in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, while basketball has a strong following in nations such as the Philippines, where it is considered a national obsession.
- Horse racing: In countries like Japan, horse racing thrives as a major sporting and betting industry, with events like the Japan Cup and Arima Kinen drawing millions of spectators and generating significant revenue through thoroughbred racing.
Live horse racing also holds deep cultural significance in both Australia and Hong Kong, drawing massive audiences and fueling excitement across the region. Australian events like the Melbourne Cup are celebrated as national spectacles, while Hong Kong’s races, dominated by the world-renowned Happy Valley and Sha Tin racecourses, attract global attention. With widespread appeal and a legacy of passionate fan engagement, live horse racing has become a major driver in the APAC iGaming industry.
The growth of the iGaming industry in APAC is notably influenced by regulatory changes, with countries like the Philippines providing favorable frameworks through organizations such as PAGCOR.
Lotteries and online bingo: While regulations around lotteries vary in APAC, the category remains immensely popular where permitted. Some countries, like Japan, view lotteries as a traditional yet exciting form of community engagement, while others offer more modern variations. iGaming operators have tapped into these traditions by tailoring lottery options specifically for Asian audiences.
Countries like Japan and the Philippines are home to vibrant bingo communities, where variants like Housie (also known as Tambola) are particularly popular.
Key drivers of iGaming growth in APAC
The iGaming industry’s rapid growth in APAC is driven by factors such as technological advancements, increasing 5G penetration, and a rising demand for interactive entertainment.
Widespread smartphone accessibility
Affordable smartphones have played a major role in boosting online participation. In 2025, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is expected to surpass 2.8 billion smartphone users, making it the largest mobile market globally. With mobile devices becoming the preferred mode of gameplay, experts project that by 2024, mobile channels will contribute 75% of online revenue for iGaming operators in the region.
The proliferation of affordable smartphones and widespread 5G connectivity has made iGaming more accessible than ever. For fans across APAC, where mobile usage is at an all-time high, streaming apps have become the go-to medium for instant access to matches. Whether they’re commuting, working, or relaxing at home, fans can effortlessly tune in and stay engaged.
Improvements in video delivery via CDNs
Faster video startup times and consistent latency, powered by enhanced CDN delivery, have significantly driven iGaming expansion across APAC. These advancements ensure seamless gameplay and real-time interactions, resulting in a superior user experience that captures and retains player interest. By minimizing delays and disruptions, platforms foster increased engagement and create an environment that encourages longer play sessions.
Fan engagement and the role of social media
Social media has amplified the reach of iGaming operators and live streaming, turning viewers into active participants. Platforms encourage fans to share their favorite moments, engage in spirited discussions, and even interact with players during live Q&A sessions. Viral highlights and hashtag trends further boost visibility, ensuring that exclusive social media content remains at the forefront of sports entertainment.
Evolving cultural norms
Cultural perceptions around gambling are shifting, especially among younger generations. This demographic, primarily those aged 18 to 35, increasingly views online betting and gambling as a form of mainstream entertainment. iGaming surveys reveal that over 60% of young adults in Asia consider it an acceptable pastime, driving the industry to integrate further into the broader entertainment market.
Prioritizing APAC markets in your growth strategy
While the market potential is undeniable, many iGaming and streaming operators face significant technical challenges in delivering an exceptional viewing experience. With many providers struggling to deliver consistent, real-time experiences, Dolby OptiView is your trusted partner, delivering proven solutions across APAC to tackle the toughest challenges in iGaming.
Common streaming issues that Dolby OptiView effortlessly resolves include:
Inconsistent latency and slow startup: Consistent high-quality video is the backbone of iGaming, but many platforms struggle with delay (latency). For operators, these issues prove costly:
- Slow video startup times ruin user engagement.
- Inconsistent latency undermines live gameplay, weakening real-time betting reliability.
These challenges directly affect viewer loyalty and operator revenue. When users experience slow performance or interruptions during gameplay, they’re more likely to abandon the platform altogether, leading to a decline in active users.
Reduced engagement translates to fewer bets placed, directly impacting revenue streams. Over time, platforms with persistent latency problems in APAC risk losing market share to competitors offering smoother, faster gameplay.
Dolby OptiView Streaming ensures consistent low latency, with configurable options ranging from as low as sub-500ms to 5 seconds. Whether you’re hosting blackjack streams or in-play sports betting, Dolby’s consistent and reliable solutions guarantee operations run smoothly.
Poor scalability for viewership spikes: iGaming platforms in APAC must handle peak demand from large, diverse audiences, especially during high-stakes events like global sports matches. A unique aspect of live horse racing online is the rush of participants who join just before the race begins. This last-minute surge, driven by excitement and strategic betting, requires a robust CDN infrastructure to avoid disruptive lags.
Dolby OptiView’s advanced Content Delivery Network (CDN) is optimized for APAC, ensuring:
- Faster video streaming startup.
- Resilient performance across peak user periods.
Only our extensive CDN points of presence in APAC ensure fast, reliable streaming for viewers, no matter where they are located.
Inconsistent quality in patchy networks: APAC regions often experience inconsistent internet infrastructure. Ensuring smooth video playback becomes a critical challenge. For operators, a single instance of failed video launches can mean losing players to competition.
Adaptive Bitrate Streaming (ABR) dynamically adjusts video quality to match network conditions, ensuring viewers enjoy a seamless and high-quality iGaming experience even during poor connectivity.
Poor cross-platform compatibility: Equipped with the Dolby OptiView Player, iGaming platforms can deliver immersive, high-quality playback with crystal-clear resolution. It guarantees all players across APAC can enjoy consistent experiences, regardless of network conditions.
Dolby OptiView delivers high-quality video playback across all devices, from web browsers to mobile phones, smart TVs, set-top boxes, and gaming consoles. Enjoy a seamless viewing experience, optimized for every platform.
Pro tip for sports books!
- By leveraging Dolby OptiView, you can outpace competitors with uninterrupted, exceptional playback, enabling longer gaming sessions and increased player engagement.
- Stream every game and every play on one screen, allowing fans to bet on more games, driving higher engagement and sports book revenue.
Regional spotlight: The popularity of cricket
Cricket’s popularity across APAC, particularly in countries like India, Australia, and Pakistan, underscores its role as more than just a sport. Major tournaments like the IPL (Indian Premier League) and the ICC Cricket World Cup unite millions of people, sparking conversations that transcend borders. With cricket deeply embedded in cultures across regions like APAC, live streaming platforms have tapped into a massive audience eager to stay connected to their favorite teams and tournaments.
The rise of cricket live sports video streaming shows no signs of slowing down, as technological innovation, mobile accessibility, and vibrant fan interactions continue to drive its growth. For fans and industry players alike, 2025 stands as a landmark year for reimagining how cricket is enjoyed and celebrated globally.
In India, the legality of cricket betting varies by state due to the decentralized nature of gambling laws. Here are the key points:
Traditional Betting: Cricket betting is largely prohibited under the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which outlaws most forms of gambling in India.
Online Betting: Currently, there is no specific legislation addressing online betting in India, leaving it in a legal grey area where platforms operate without explicit approval or prohibition.
State Laws: Some states have their own gambling laws, further complicating the status of online and offline betting activities.
In conclusion, cricket betting in its traditional form is largely illegal in India, but the rise of online platforms highlights a legal ambiguity due to the absence of clear regulations. For clarity and compliance, always check the specific regulations of the state you are in before engaging in betting activities
Cricket’s Cultural and Regional Significance
The rise of cricket live sports video streaming shows no signs of slowing down, as technological innovation, mobile accessibility, and vibrant fan interactions continue to drive its growth. For fans and industry players alike, 2025 stands as a landmark year for reimagining how cricket is enjoyed and celebrated globally.
Conclusion
The APAC iGaming industry is not merely growing; it is leading the way in global innovation. With market dynamics driven by rising smartphone usage, evolving player preferences, and technological breakthroughs, the potential is limitless. Falling behind on consistent real-time performance isn’t an option. To dominate the booming APAC iGaming market, leverage state-of-the-art streaming solutions that deliver seamless experiences.
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