Publication date: 20 November 2025
iGaming in Asia is rapidly evolving thanks to technological innovations, mobile platforms, live betting, and eSports. The legality and accessibility of sports betting vary greatly across different countries, ranging from complete prohibition (such as China, Saudi Arabia) to developed and open markets (the Philippines, South Korea, India). 3S.INFO provides a detailed analysis of the sports betting and iGaming market in Asia, including growth dynamics and diverse regulatory frameworks. The platform highlights leading Asian bookmakers, their advantages, geographic reach, and key product features. It also covers growth prospects, main risks, and localization requirements for succeeding in the Asian sports betting market.
Sport Betting in Asia: iGaming Market Specifics
Betting and sport betting in Asia represent a massive and rapidly growing market with unique characteristics in each region.
In terms of the entire Asia-Pacific region, the sports betting market was valued at over $68 billion in 2024, with projections indicating growth to $141 trillion by 2032, representing a CAGR of approximately 13.7%.
By the end of 2024, the size of the Southeast Asian sports betting market (Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, etc.) reached $3.6 billion. It is expected that by 2033, the market will grow to approximately $8.5 billion, with an annual growth rate of almost 9.1%. The main drivers of growth include advanced analytics and artificial intelligence implementation, which increase prediction accuracy and attract users to betting websites.
China, India, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Australia are major growth drivers in the Asian betting market. China holds a significant share of the market (22.8% in 2023) due to gambling zones in Macau and Hainan province. India has shown substantial growth in recent years thanks to the development of online gaming.
Data provided by IMARC Group, research reports titled “Southeast Asia Sports Betting Market Size, Share, Trends & Forecast By Platforms, Types Of Bets, Sport Type And Countries, 2025-2033” and “Asia-Pacific Sports Betting Market To 2032” by Data Bridge Market Research.
Asia is actively integrating technology into betting, enhancing convenience through live streaming, in-play betting, virtual sports, and advanced digital platforms. Betting options like Asian handicap are particularly popular, as they balance the odds between teams and facilitate high betting volumes. Compared to Europe, the Asian market features lower bookmaker margins and higher betting volumes, making it more competitive.
Where Is Sports Betting Allowed and Prohibited in Asia?
The main challenge lies in the diversity of legal frameworks, strong influence of religious norms, and dealing with ‘grey’ operators. Nevertheless, the market is vast in population size, and legalization in some countries opens opportunities for licensed operators.
In countries with strict religious restrictions, such as Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iran, Qatar, as well as China and Myanmar, sports betting is strictly prohibited. Violations may result in criminal liability.
The most open and popular market is the Philippines, where foreign operators are licensed. In 2025, legalization processes have also begun in Uzbekistan and UAE, introducing state control and licensing of betting activities.
In countries like Thailand and Cambodia, sports betting exists in a grey area: formally banned for locals but permitted for tourists. At the same time, efforts are made to eliminate or regulate the shadow gambling market.
Thus, betting and sports betting in Asia represent a diverse, large, and dynamically developing segment with great potential, dependent on technological innovations and changing regulatory environments.
Best Asian Bookies
Characteristics of Asian bookmakers include broad betting lines, good odds, high tolerance for arbitrage strategies, high betting limits, fast payouts, and the availability of Asian handicap as a core product. The top Asian bookmakers in 2025 stand out for their wide geographical coverage, primarily within Asian countries, although many operate internationally as well.
Which bookmakers are the most popular and reliable in Asia? The term “best” can mean different things in Asia: for some, it’s the most trustworthy ones; for others, those offering the highest odds; and for yet others, those with the best coverage of esports.
Main Characteristics and Features of the Best Asian Bookmakers
Therefore, for players and bettors in Asia, the best bookmakers are primarily SBOBET, 12BET, Dafabet, Pinnacle, Mansion88, and Maxbet, focusing on high-quality services, broad geography, and favorable betting conditions.
Best Bookmakers in Asia: Comparison by Categories
| Category | Bookmaker | Why is it the best? |
| For professionals | Pinnacle | Low margin, highest limits, no blocking for winnings. |
| Reliability and reputation | SBOBET | A benchmark in the market with a flawless long-term history. |
| Esports | Pinnacle | Best limits and lineups in Dota 2, CS:GO, LoL. |
| Marketing and bonuses | Dafabet | Aggressive promotions, generous bonuses, strong brand. |
| High limits (Asia) | Maxbet / IBCBET | Maximum possible bet amounts for Asian players. |
| Football and live betting | SBOBET | Extensive coverage of football leagues and high-quality live platform. |
How to Choose the Best Bookmaker in Asia?
Choosing the best bookmaker in Asia depends on your priorities:
- If you’re looking for maximum profit from betting and don’t care about bonuses — choose Pinnacle.
- If absolute reliability and brand recognition matter most — go with SBOBET.
- If you’re after generous bonuses and a vibrant platform — consider Dafabet.
- If you’re a big player seeking maximum betting limits — opt for Maxbet / IBCBET.
- Before registering, always check current conditions, available payment methods, and withdrawal options for your region.
Prospects for Betting Development in Asia
Overall, the Asian digital betting market is growing with a CAGR exceeding 7-10%, depending on the country. The key growth drivers are technological innovations, sporting events, and the widespread adoption of mobile betting.
The following countries demonstrate the fastest growth rates in the Asian betting market:
| Asian Country | Betting Features |
| Philippines
More about GEO: |
This region is one of the few where official regulation and licensing of betting are established. In 2024, gaming industry revenues reached nearly $7.16 billion with an annual growth rate of 25%. For 2025, further growth is projected up to $7.8-8.3 billion due to the development of electronic games and integrated resorts. |
| South Korea | The online gambling market is growing at a forecasted CAGR of approximately 8.16% until 2032. High technical infrastructure and popularity of esports contribute significantly to this growth, especially among young people. |
| India, Vietnam, Thailand
More about GEO: |
These countries show rapid development of mobile betting markets with localized sports preferences such as cricket (India) and Muay Thai (Thailand), which are actively developing through mobile apps and online platforms. Growth is also driven by increasing interest in football and esports betting. |
The future of betting in Asia looks phenomenal. The region will become the primary driver of global iGaming industry growth over the next decade.
Key iGaming development trends in Asia:
- Growth will be fueled by grey markets supported by licensed hubs like the Philippines.
- Mobile-first platforms with seamless user experience and streaming integration will dominate.
- Esports will enter mainstream and compete with traditional football in revenue streams.
- Success will depend on operators’ ability to adapt to local peculiarities: language, payment systems, types of sports, and culture.
- Slow but irreversible liberalization will continue, as governments grow weary of fighting the unregulated offshore market and seek their share of tax revenue.
Asia isn’t just a promising market — it’s the future of global betting. However, reaching this future will be extremely challenging, requiring companies to exhibit flexibility, innovation, and deep understanding of local nuances.
Best Bookmakers: Rankings and Lists by Countries and Regions
3S.INFO experts have conducted a large-scale study, evaluating dozens of global operators. We present to you our carefully curated ranking of industry leaders “Top Bookmakers in the World” — companies with impeccable reputations providing attractive odds and quality service to players of all levels.
The Russian sports betting market is a unique ecosystem where global trends intersect with national specifics. We’ve studied it and prepared a rating of leading betting companies successfully operating in Russia. This list reflects who sets the tone in today’s domestic betting scene.
FAQ
Why is the Asian sports betting market considered one of the most promising?
The Asian betting market is one of the largest and fastest-growing globally, estimated at over $68 billion in 2024. Projected growth to $141 trillion by 2032 is driven by active digitization, introduction of new technologies, and a massive player base.
How is sports betting regulated in Asian countries?
Regulation varies significantly across the region. In countries with strict religious norms (Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, Qatar, China, Myanmar), sports betting is completely prohibited. In other countries, such as the Philippines, South Korea, and India, the market is either legalized or rapidly developing. In some nations (Thailand, Cambodia), it is formally banned but remains accessible to tourists or operates in a legal “grey” zone.
What technological and product trends define successful bookmakers in Asia?
The most successful bookmakers focus on mobile platforms, streaming integration, live betting, esports, Asian handicap, a wide range of payment methods, high betting limits, and friendly regional localization for different audiences.
Which companies and brands lead the Asian betting market?
Leading bookmakers in Asia include SBOBET, 12BET, Dafabet, Pinnacle, Mansion88, Maxbet, and 188BET. These companies distinguish themselves with flexible geography, high betting limits, extensive betting lines, and localized services catering specifically to customers from Southeast, East, and South Asia.
What are the prospects and risks facing participants in the Asian betting market in the coming years?
The market is set to grow due to mobile and innovative products, esports, gradual legislative liberalization, and improved payment solutions. However, challenges remain, including complex legal environments, crackdowns on offshore platforms, tax burdens, and the need to adapt to the specifics of each country.
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