Once upon a time it was 'go west, young man'. Today, the clever money is looking towards the rising sun and heading east. Online gaming is going oriental. Today, we are pondering what this could mean for online slots and gaming.
A report from PwC suggests that although Asia will show the highest level of growth in the next few years, North America and Europe will remain the dominant markets. The Asian explosion will come as a result of ongoing growth and the development of key centres like Singapore.
Confucius say: go big or go home
Although showing a steady increase in activity, the online sector of the gaming market will still pale into insignificance compared to the real world betting business of land based casinos in Vegas, Macau, and many others.
BetHeads gaming consultant Paul Cullen who has been an online gaming professional for more than 10 years believes the developments in Asia will herald a new generation in online gaming.
"Consumers are being offered more channels of entertainment choices every day. Mobile TV, 3D, MMOG are all vying for a tiny slice of the pot. Online gaming will have to compete to win its share of this lucrative market.
"We already know that gambling is incredibly popular in Asia. There is a real hunger for it. Clearly, legislation is preventing a full blown explosion. I think we can anticipate a gradual evolution in years to come.
"in time, developers will tailor-make games specifically for the Asian market. Where there is demand, supply will find a way," he said.
WhichSlotMachine.com online slots expert Frank O'Pinion anticipates a world of ninjas, dragons, kung fu, and more in the Asian slots of the future.
"The Chinese culture is one of the oldest on the planet. Japanese culture is bizarre. South East Asia is just so different. I can't wait to see what kind of slot games emerge from the region.
"I would hope we would get a lot of kung fu games, some really weird Japanese slots, and the chance to win Buddha's Bonus. Perhaps, Confucius would say: double or quits!
"It is a very different culture and there are a lot of superstitions and belief in lucky charms, symbolism, and the like. I would anticipate some truly original games if the television program Endurance is anything to go by.
