Mordor Intelligence’s latest report shows that the Asia-Pacific casino gaming market generated revenue of US$2.02 billion (€1.8 billion) this year and is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate of more than 6% during the forecast period. The study adds that Asia Pacific’s casino gaming market operates through a combination of regulatory framework, tourism industry and local demand.
With the prospects for the entire industry in the region promising, many operators and platform providers are setting their sights on Asia. In an exclusive interview with SiGMA News, Pronet Gaming CEO Alex Leese revealed plans to enter the Asian market and open an office in the Philippines.
Leese outlined the company's goals to establish a strong presence in Asia. "The mid-term goal is to fully establish our presence in as many jurisdictions as possible," he said. Pronet Gaming aims to replicate its success in Europe, Latin America and Africa by continually innovating and maintaining strong partnerships. The company was founded in 2007 and is a mature platform provider.
Tailor-made products for the Asian market
However, entering the diverse Asian market requires a tailored approach. Leese explains: “Our biggest mistake was trying to enter Asia with an approach that we thought would work in every jurisdiction, from Vietnam and Cambodia to Indonesia.”
Leese emphasized the importance of localization, saying: "We have always been good at localizing, not just the product, but the team behind it. This is where feedback becomes very important."
Leese also emphasized the importance of selective cooperation. "Every operator I met at the exhibition was easy to cooperate with, but in order to ensure the effect of long-term cooperation, certain screening of partners was carried out."
Focus on the Philippines and future innovation
As part of its Asia expansion, Leese announced Pronet Gaming plans to open an office in the Philippines, underscoring the company's commitment to the region. "We are very proud to be investing in the Philippines, setting up a large office here and looking to hire more employees in the region," he said.
Going forward, Pronet Gaming plans to roll out its full suite of solutions to select operators in Asia. Leese highlighted the company's focus on innovation and future-proofing, saying: "Ensuring we stay innovative and relevant is key. This includes AI and cryptocurrency-based solutions, which are absolutely crucial in this market."
Impact of Emerging Technologies
Leese shared: “We are currently developing a crypto solution that will allow customers to deposit, play games and potentially even withdraw money with cryptocurrencies.”
Regarding the impact of AI, blockchain and cryptocurrency on the gambling industry, Leese emphasized practicality, saying: "We have to understand what AI can bring in the gambling environment. For me, ultimately it is about personalization." Leese said that AI can enhance player retention by predicting player behavior and providing personalized content, which is crucial for B2C operators.
Ensure a consistent user experience
Leese emphasized the importance of providing a consistent user experience across all channels. “Key items from any customer interface are available on every channel,” he explains. This approach ensures users can transition seamlessly between online and retail betting solutions, enhancing their overall experience.
Pronet Gaming won the Best Multi-Channel Provider award at the recently concluded SiGMA Asia Awards. Leese discussed the company's success in integrating and managing multiple channels in different markets. “The key to our success is the adaptability of the services we offer operators,” he explains.
