Offshore betting firms set eyes on casual games

MACAU — Offshore betting operators should set eyes on casual games integrated into social media platforms to draw in a younger demographic of players, industry’s software developers believe.

At the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Asia here, gaming technology providers agreed that Asia’s electronic casino operators should catch up with what millennials are looking for in a gaming experience.

In particular, gaming experts said that electric casinos should offer fastpaced and interactive tournament experiences while incorporating millennial friendly options, like those modelled after video games.

“I think from the product level, we are facing younger generation players, especially the millennials, that is why product suppliers should focus on the soft games rather than the hard ball games,” Kevin Li, Interplay chief executive said.

“Casual games with gambling features are getting more and more popular in Asia. At one point, I have to say that casual games are overtaking [other gaming options],” he added.

As local electronic casino companies start mobilizing to secure their fair share of the $4.4-billion global online betting industry, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. has started approving applications for offshore gaming licenses.

To date, Pagcor has approved 42 Philippine offshore gaming operators, while 44 applications are still pending subject to stringent scrutiny by the gaming regulator.

Li suggested that e-casino operators must seriously consider role-playing games (RRGs) as well as augment and visual reality (AR/VR) oriented betting games to remain relevant to the millennial demographic.

“Soft game and casual game, if you look at these games they are not like the traditional slots — they are in different styles, maybe like the RPGs, — but there are some gambling features,” Li explained.

“And another trend is the AR/VR cosplay. We are seeing this product… because it is providing a different user experience,” he added.

Another trend to watch our for is the enhanced and fast live dealer online casinos, said Kfir Kugler, chief executive office of the European gaming-firm Ezugi, noting that the game’s speed should be considered as young generation are very mobile-savvy.

Kugler also said e-casino operators should invest in mobile messaging apps to easily allow players to place their bets.

Earlier, Jose S. Tria Jr., Pagcor POGO assistant vice-president said that online casino operators catering to offshore players are poised to become major catalysts for growth in the country’s gaming industry.

Tria noted that online or electronic casino is a rapidly growing business in the Philippines, generating billions in tax revenues, or about R3 billion for this year alone.

The Pagcor, however, was quick to assure that all Pagcor-licensed ecasinos do not cater to Filipinos, noting websites of these gambling operators are blocked to Philippine Internet protocol addresses.

“Players must be physically outside the Philippines to access these locallybased online casinos,” the Pagcor official declared.