Strong growth expected in Asia, Japan

[The Buzz]

Poll results released at the recent Global Gaming Expo Asia in Macau claimed that most industry experts believe two things will happen: The rise in online gambling in Asia will continue, and Japan will emerge as a major market in the online gaming world.

According to GamingZion, American Gaming Association head Frank Fahrenkopf has said "Internet gambling was likely to emerge as 'a significant part' of the global market – particularly in a high-tech nation such as Japan."

"The growth of the market in Asia has been incredible," said Fahrenkopf and about two-thirds of those polled believed that US casino revenue would be "eclipsed by Asia in three to five years." In fact, total revenue in Asia made from gambling rose an incredible 95 percent year-on-year in May to $2.1 billion.

[Miss B]

That's surprising since the Chinese government has such strict Internet gambling laws. However, I could see Japan becoming an online gambling powerhouse as Internet gambling grows in popularity in the region.

[Spearmaster]

Don't think I can argue with the trend - however, governments are doing as much as they can to keep this from happening.

Japan rising as a major force in online gambling, however, I am a bit skeptical about that, unless the laws are changed. One of Japan's largest companies, Sega Sammy, is already in online gaming with their casino powered by Playtech - but Japan is banned. They have way too much at stake to be taking that sort of risk in their home market, where they dominate the pachinko/pachislo scene as well as gaming arcades.

I know that the article said the legislation is being discussed - but past history shows that they are very slow to move on any sort of gambling-related legislation, and frankly I bet that Sega Sammy would actually oppose any such legislation.

[dhayman]

Don't think I can argue with the trend - however, governments are doing as much as they can to keep this from happening.

Proxy servers will always be the way to circumvent stupid governmental restrictions.

[Professor]

I think live casinos will do well in Asia. But there are still a lot of problems with local laws and with fraud.

[universal4]

Good points Spear....

I take it that you think Sega would oppose it since you feel they would be jeopardizing their marketshare in the land-based market?

Rick
Universal4

[HBKKH]

Depositing and withdrawals will be the main hurdle....as expected.

[Spearmaster]

Good points Spear....

I take it that you think Sega would oppose it since you feel they would be jeopardizing their marketshare in the land-based market?

Rick
Universal4

Exactly. The pachinko/pachislo industry has huge clout - they are believed to be the reason why land-based casinos have not yet been approved.