Emerging iGaming Markets for Casino Operators 2025 – France, Philippines, Thailand

Many countries across Europe have already been hubs for the iGaming market, however, some Asian countries are also embracing the online casino market in 2025. Let’s discuss the emerging drivers in this industry. 

Online casinos have become quite popular in many European and Asian countries.

China, the United Kingdom, Malta, the Isle of Man, Sweden, and Brazil are already well-established iGaming markets.

However, it poses a challenge for operators to enter these markets due to high competition.

That’s why online casino operators look for markets that are easy to enter, where they can establish themselves and earn substantial profits.

France, the Philippines, and Thailand are playing pivotal roles in this expansion, making them attractive destinations for casino operators in 2025.

Let’s dive into learning what lucrative opportunities these markets present for budding entrepreneurs.

The Growth of the iGaming Market In Asian Countries 

The iGaming market in Asian countries has witnessed significant growth in recent years. Driven by the amalgamation of internet penetration. The rise of mobile gaming and the evolving regulatory landscape.

Like Europe, Asia is also home to some of the world’s largest and fastest-growing iGaming markets, which include Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Japan.

In the past few decades, the iGaming industry has significantly evolved into a vibrant and booming industry. As per Grand View Research, the global iGaming market size was valued at $63.53 billion in 2022. It is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.7% from 2020 to 2027.

Industry Stats 📊 The size of the online casino market was estimated to be worth $103.00 billion in 2025, which predicts a Cumulative Annual Growth Rate of 10.44%, leading to a projected size of $169.22 billion by 2030. Report by Mordor Intelligence

Prime Factors Leading To The Growth 

The growth of the iGaming industry is indeed good news for entrepreneurs and casino operators.

But what key factors are driving the growth of this industry? Let’s discuss below.

Mobile And Internet Accessibility 

As per the Data Reportable report, as of February 2025, 5.56 billion people around the world were using the internet at the start of 2025, equivalent to 67.9 percent of the world’s population.

With billions of smartphone users and improved internet infrastructure, mobile gaming has become a primary mode of access to live dealer casinos and sports betting platforms.

Regulatory Developments 

iGaming is legal and fully regulated in some parts of the world. Nevertheless, there are countries like India, Thailand, and the Philippines that have begun to create more structured regulatory frameworks.

Regulatory markets offer more reliable and safer platforms for players. For instance, in the Philippines, PAGCOR (Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation) continues to support the industry’s growth by licensing operators and boosting revenue.

Cultural Harmony for iGaming 

iGaming is deeply rooted in Asian culture, with traditional games like Teen Patti, Mahjong, and Pachinko transitioning seamlessly into digital platforms. This cultural inclination toward digital games is one of the prime reasons for the rise of the iGaming industry.

Tech Innovations

The advanced technology is revamping every industry, and online casino is no exception. The adoption of blockchain technology, virtual reality (VR), and live dealer games is enhancing the gaming experience and attracting tech-savvy audiences on a large scale.

Notable Markets Highlights 2025 (Asia And Europe)

Curious to know which country will be an ideal place for you to kick-start your online casino business?

If yes, let’s dive in and explore.

Philippines: A Thriving Hub for iGaming

The Philippines has emerged as a significant hub for the iGaming industry, attracting operators and players alike.

The Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) regulates the sector, and recent projections highlight the tremendous growth in online casino revenue.

As per Technavio’s report, the Philippines casino gaming market is projected to increase by USD 3.93 billion at a CAGR of 10.4% between 2024 and 2029.

Popular Games To Offer?

Overall, the market continues to evolve, offering diverse gaming options, including:

• Slots
• Blackjack
• Poker
• Roulette
• Sports betting

Though the online casino industry in the Philippines is thriving, cryptocurrency integration has further expanded the reach and accessibility of casino gaming.

To ensure safe deposits and withdrawals, operators need to integrate the best payment gateway in their casino platform. And, the online casino GCash platform is one of the top choices among Filipino players.

Challenges In The Industry?

Though the Philippines offers a lucrative opportunity to the operators, the market faces numerous challenges like cybercrime, which demands robust security measures to mitigate the threats.

Thailand: A Step Towards Legalization 

Traditionally, iGaming has been illegal or prohibited in Thailand, with limited exceptions for state-run lotteries and horse racing. Despite the prohibition, illegal casinos are widespread in Thailand.

The Purpose Of Legalisation? 

The Thai Government made a significant move to boost tourism and enhance the economy. Thailand’s Cabinet approved a draft bill on January 13, 2025, to legalize online casinos.

The proposed legislation aims to create “entertainment complexes,” encompassing casinos, hotels, theme parks, etc. The country aims to generate a projected 100 billion baht ($2.89bn) in annual revenue.

With this act, the Thai Government proposed that the casino space can take no more than 5% of the space in any integrated resort or complex.

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra mentioned the possibility of introducing cryptocurrency as a payment option, inspired by the global development in financial technology.

This is a great opportunity for casino operators to go with white label crypto casino solutions to open an online casino in Thailand.

Popular Games To Offer? 

The operators can integrate numerous popular casino games to attract local and international players. Here are some top choices:

• Different Types of Slot Games
• Table games: Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and Poker
• Live Dealer Games

France: Economic Motivation For Legalization 

There are a few countries in Europe where online casino is prohibited. However, some countries are heading to legalise iGaming, and France is one such country.

As per statistics, about 3 million French players use illegal iGaming sites out of a total of 9 million. Legalizing online casinos in France could bring €1.5 billion a year, which would be big economic gain for the country, as per the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA).

The EGBA says Germany, Italy, and France have big black markets, so legalizing iGaming will help a lot in terms of better protection for players and less black market activity.

The France casino market was €1.7 billion in 2020, and it is expected to grow more at a rate of 8% from 2021 to 2025.

Who Regulates The Industry?

The France Online Gambling Regulatory Authority (ARJEL) oversees the industry, ensuring fair play and consumer protection.

In recent years, France has embraced technological innovations and integrated AR and VR into online casinos to enhance players’ experience.

Popular Games To Offer?

However, it’s crucial to offer the best games that keep players engaged. These games include:

• Slots
• Table games
• Live casino games
• Poker
• Sports betting
• eSports betting

Detailed Summary Of Three Markets In The Table Below

iGaming Trends And Projections

As per an iGaming News article on the iGaming Sector in 2025, the global iGaming market is estimated to exceed $100 billion in value by the end of 2025, driven by steady growth in key regions like Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America.

The growth is further accompanied by operators, developers, and players alike who are shaping the landscape through emerging trends and technological advancements.

In addition, the rise of mobile gaming and the increasing acceptance of online casinos are contributing to the sector’s expansion.

Ready To Explore The Hottest iGaming Markets In 2025?

As we wrap up this blog, one thing is quite clear: the iGaming market in 2025 is characterized by dynamic developments across emerging markets like France, the Philippines, and Thailand.

Since these countries have legalised iGaming, it offers diverse opportunities for casino enthusiasts and operators.

These countries are becoming prime destinations for iGaming marked by regulatory changes, evolving consumer behavior, and tech-driven innovations.

If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve and tap into new opportunities, you wouldn’t want to miss what these dynamic markets can offer you.

Stay tuned with us for more such interesting and trendy blogs!

FAQ

• How do I start an online casino business?

  The first step is to learn about the iGaming market and conduct profound market research of the particular country you want to run an online casino in. Consider local demands, the market of operations, competitors, marketing tactics, estimated expenses, etc.

• Is it possible to integrate various payment gateways using an online casino builder?

  An online casino builder, white label, or turnkey solution integrates multiple payment gateways. This allows operators to offer players a range of payment options, including e-wallets and cryptocurrencies.

• What are the main marketing strategies to attract players in these emerging markets?

  Operators can work on implementing various marketing strategies, including affiliate marketing and bonuses and loyalty programs. These strategies will help in successful player acquisition and retention.

• How do I acquire an iGaming license in a particular jurisdiction?

  The licensing process depends on the jurisdictions you pick. Every jurisdiction has a set process that operators must follow to obtain the license.