Identifying and tapping into emerging markets is a cornerstone of any successful business strategy, and for the betting and iGaming industry, there is plenty to choose from. 

Yet one region that remains underrepresented in global discourse is Asia, despite its enormous potential. In 2024, the Asia-Pacific online gambling market was valued at USD 18.3 billion, with forecasts pushing that figure to USD 20.9 billion in 2025. For international stakeholders, these numbers signal a tremendous opportunity for growth. However, true success in this region demands more than acknowledgement; it requires a deep understanding of local regulations, cultural nuances, and player preferences.

For those interested in making a mark in the region, SBC Summit 2025 will prove instrumental in your mission, with the newly launched ‘Emerging Markets’ educational stage.. Here, stakeholders will be guided through the unique challenges and opportunities in high-growth regions, with each day focusing on a specific emerging market: Africa (Day 1), Eurasia & the Middle East (Day 2), and Asia (Day 3).

In this blog, we spotlight the standout sessions relevant for those interested in entering Asia— highlighting key panel themes, expert speakers, and why these conversations are essential for anyone looking to make their mark in this fast-evolving region.

Asia Leaders Panel

Time: 11:00 – 11:40 | Date: Thursday, 18th September

Why This Panel is a Must-Attend

Asia stands as one of the world’s biggest untapped regions in gaming. However, with a patchwork of regulations, evolving player preferences, and shifting legal landscapes, entering the region without a deep, informed understanding can result in costly missteps.

Tailored for operators, affiliates or suppliers looking to expand their Asian presence, this panel will spotlight the opportunities to be had, offering strategies for mitigating risks and exploring the trends in technology, digital payments, and consumer behaviour that are shaping Asia’s future. 

Key Questions This Panel Will Tackle: 

• How can international operators navigate Asia’s patchwork of regulatory landscapes? Assessing market entry tactics and compliance strategies across vastly different legal frameworks.
• Are technological and financial innovations reshaping gaming demand across Asia? Exploring how digital trends and fintech are driving player behaviour across diverse markets.
• What are the realities of operating between regulated, grey, and black markets in Asia? Examining the risks, opportunities, and strategies for success in blurred regulatory environments.

Speakers: 

• Lau Kok Keng, Head of Intellectual Property & Sports & Gaming, Rajah & Tan Singapore
• Yuta Romanchenko, CBDO, Big Idea
• Rory Anderson, Consultant, 12BET

Indian Regulatory Roadmap: The Next Decade for Gaming in the Subcontinent

Time: 12:00-12:40 | Date: Thursday, 18th September

Why This Panel is a Must-Attend

India’s gambling market is projected to generate revenue of US$8.01bn in 2025, firmly positioning the country as one of the industry’s most promising emerging markets. Yet, it remains one of the most complex.

A state-by-state legal framework, deeply rooted cultural preferences, and a strict divide between ‘games of skill’ and ‘games of chance’ have enabled formats like fantasy sports and lottery to thrive, while sports betting continues to operate in legally grey areas.

This panel will unpack these complexities, offering vital insights into how key states are approaching regulation, the potential trajectory of emerging verticals like eSports, and how stakeholders can navigate legal uncertainty while shaping sustainable, long-term strategies.

Key Questions This Panel Will Tackle: 

• Is India moving toward a unified regulatory future for gambling? Analysing whether state-level segmentation is giving way to a unified national approach.
• How are traditional verticals adapting to trends like eSports and omnichannel engagement? Exploring how legacy sectors are evolving to stay relevant amid shifting consumer habits.
• Will the grey market continue to dominate India’s online gaming space? Debating the prospects for formal regulation versus continued informal market growth.

Speakers: 

• Japneet Singh Sethi, Chief Growth Officer – South Asia, iGaming NDA
• Jaydeep Chakravartty, Business Consultant        
• Anton Kaszubowski, Managing Director, SBC Advisory

The Philippines: Life after POGOs

Time: 13:40-14:20 | Date: Thursday, 18th September

Why This Panel is a Must-Attend

The Philippines’ recent shift from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to domestic-facing Philippine Inland Gaming Operators (PIGO) licenses, issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), marks a pivotal evolution in the region’s regulatory landscape. The blanket ban on all offshore companies has showcased its commitment to becoming one of Asia’s first truly regulated online gaming markets — a move that brings both greater clarity and new layers of complexity for regional stakeholders.

This panel will explore how the Philippines’ evolving framework could serve as a blueprint for other Asian jurisdictions, including those previously reliant on the POGO model. Attendees will gain valuable insight into what sustainable regulation looks like in practice, how to effectively engage with PAGCOR under the new regime, and how this regulatory transformation may shape broader policy trends across Southeast Asia.

Key Questions This Panel Will Tackle: 

• What steps is the Philippines taking to become Asia’s first fully regulated online gaming market? Evaluating the impact of IGLs and POGOs bans and the significance of formal licensing.
• What role will PAGCOR play in shaping the market’s next chapter? Discussing the regulator’s evolving authority and influence post-POGO transition.
• What can other Asian jurisdictions learn from the Philippines’ regulatory overhaul? Identifying key takeaways from the country’s shift to a structured licensing regime.

Speakers: 

• Joe Pisano, CEO, Jade Gaming
• Dominique Laconico, President & CEO, MegaBet+ & Scorebet
• Marie Antonette Quiogue, Principal, Arden Consult
• Keith McDonnell, Director, KMI Group

Macau and the Future

Time: 14:20-15:00 | Date: Thursday, 18th September

Why This Panel is a Must-Attend

As of March 2025, gaming taxes accounted for 87.7% of Macau’s total government revenue, positioning the country as one of the world’s most gaming-dependent economies. However, in an effort to reduce economic vulnerability and ensure long-term stability, the Macau government has implemented a comprehensive overhaul of its gaming framework, increasing regulatory oversight, promoting greater accountability, and encouraging diversification within the sector.

For operators, investors, and policymakers focused on one of Asia’s most iconic gambling hubs, this panel offers a timely look at how the region’s major players are adapting to this new era. It will explore efforts to broaden revenue streams beyond traditional gaming, the impact of tourism and digital infrastructure, and the wider implications of these regulatory reforms for the future of the market.

Key Questions This Panel Will Tackle: 

• How are Macau’s operators navigating tighter regulatory oversight? Assessing shifts in strategy as the government asserts greater control over the sector.
• What are Macau’s casino operators doing beyond gaming — and will it last? Examining how operators are adjusting business models and investing beyond casinos for long-term resilience.
• What does the future hold for Macau’s gaming ecosystem under the revised legal framework? Discussions on the operational and policy changes shaping the SAR’s long-term industry outlook.

Speakers: 

• Andrew Scott, CEO, Inside Asian Gaming

Final Thoughts: 

Asia is home to a wealth of gaming markets full of opportunity and untapped potential for operators, suppliers and affiliates alike. But with cultural nuances, complex regulatory frameworks, and distinct preferences in gaming formats, success in the demands local knowledge and strategic preparation.

That’s where the ‘Emerging Markets: Asia’ educational programme at SBC Summit 2025 comes in. From navigating regulatory hurdles to decoding player behaviours and cultural expectations, this is your chance to gain the tools and perspective needed to thrive in some of the world’s most dynamic gaming markets.