The Philippines has become one of the most important regulated online gaming markets in Asia, and Paul Fox believes other countries in the region can learn from how the market has developed.

Paul, Founder of Claymore Solutions, speaks with Surya about why the Philippines has become a natural base for gaming operations and back-office teams, particularly for larger and publicly listed companies that need to operate carefully around regulation.

The conversation also looks at where online gaming in Asia could go next. Paul describes the Philippines as a regional trailblazer, pointing to the growth of licensed online gaming alongside the country's established land-based casino market.

For markets such as Thailand, he believes the Philippines offers a more relevant comparison than Europe or the United States because of the similarities within the region. Malaysia and Indonesia may face more complicated paths because of religious and cultural factors.

Paul's wider argument is that gambling demand already exists across Asia, whether it is legal or not. His preference is for clear legislation that allows governments to regulate the activity properly, create safer operating conditions and collect tax revenue.

Asia's iGaming market has changed significantly over the years, but entering the region is not as simple as treating Asia as one market.

In Episode 83 of iGaming Real Talk, recorded at SiGMA Asia in Manila, our host Surya Palli sits down with Pierre Wuu, Board Advisor at SiGMA Group, to discuss the development of the Philippine market, regulatory stability and what international companies need to consider before entering Asia.

Pierre explains why stability from regulators is important for companies investing in the region, and why the Philippines has been able to build a stronger regulated online market than many other countries in Southeast Asia.

The conversation also looks at Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore and the UAE, including why some markets have struggled to put clear regulatory frameworks in place and what Thailand needs to do before it can fully develop its gaming opportunity.

Pierre also talks about why international operators need to get closer to the markets they want to enter. For him, having people on the ground and understanding local marketing, payments and compliance is essential.

The discussion ends with a simple point: Asia is not one market. Japan, Thailand, the Philippines and other countries all have their own rules, habits and opportunities.

The Philippines has one of Asia's most developed gaming markets, but Joe from Jade Entertainment believes licensed operators are still competing for only a fraction of the total opportunity.

Speaking with Surya at SiGMA Asia, Joe looks back at a career in gaming that started in 1988 and covers the market's move from land-based casinos into sports betting, remote gaming and today's growing online sector. His view is that online gaming has now surpassed land-based gaming, creating a new challenge for traditional casinos: how to bring the online and physical experience together.

A major part of the conversation is channelisation. Joe says legal gaming in the Philippines represents only 22% of revenue, with the rest going elsewhere. For him, licensed operators should not see each other as the main competition. The bigger challenge is moving players away from illegal and grey-market alternatives.

The discussion then widens to Asia and other emerging markets. Joe sees further potential in Sri Lanka, East Africa, Vietnam and Malaysia, while remaining much more cautious about markets such as Thailand. He also argues that governments should consider regulation not only as a source of tax revenue, but as a way to introduce player protection, responsible gambling and KYC.

Surya and Joe also discuss crypto casinos, tax structures and the importance of making regulated products competitive. Joe's wider point throughout the conversation is consistent: demand for gaming does not disappear because legal options are removed. If regulated gaming is not available, illegal alternatives will continue to exist.