Wazdan‘s Chief Commercial Officer Andrzej Hyla chats about the supplier’s foray into Asian markets and outlines why the region could offer iGaming its next big opportunity. Specifically, Hyla addresses the Philippines market, where Wazdan is making a big splash in 2025.
iGaming Expert: What makes the Asia region and the Philippines specifically – such a big opportunity for the global iGaming sector?
Andrzej Hyla: The Asian iGaming sector is a rapidly growing industry with ever-increasing potential. Over the past decade, the continent has grown to become one of the most profitable in the world, with several factors playing an influential role. With internet access expanding across rural areas and affordable smartphones becoming ubiquitous, millions of new users are joining the online ecosystem each year.
Unlike many Western markets, a large portion of Asia boasts a younger demographic profile. Millennials and Gen Z consumers, who are inherently comfortable with digital platforms, dominate their user base and prioritise innovation, convenience and social interaction. As for technological advancements, Asian tech hubs are continuing to pioneer new products and platforms through the likes of blockchain-based payment systems to AI-driven personalisation tools.
Focusing on the Philippines specifically, the country stands out as a regulated, tech-forward facing market, which we feel leaves it well positioned for expansive growth moving ahead. This is justified by its impressive GGR figures for Q1 2025, standing at PHP 104.12bn, representing 27.4% year-on-year growth.
iGX: What presence does Wazdan have in the Philippines and what makes your solution stand out in the market?
AH: Our presence in the Philippines began through a landmark deal with licensed SG8 back in May 2024, one of the country’s leading operators that also boasts a strong footprint across Southeast Asia. Since launch, we have been fortunate to go live with over 45 of our leading titles, including 9 Burning Dragons, 9 Burning Stars and a host of our 9 Coins™ iterations. What sets us apart is our focus on combining innovative features with a strong understanding of local needs. We offer mobile-optimised games alongside solutions that boost player engagement and support operators in their day-to-day operations.
iGX: Aside from your slot games, what other value do you bring to your clients in Asia? For example, your support functions and integrations?
AH: The Asian market expects more than just great gaming content, it also values strong support and dependable partnerships. At Wazdan, we understand this well. Alongside our comprehensive portfolio of games, our new Game Manager Client guarantees operational efficiency for our operator partners.
The asset preview gives partners quick access to all game-related files, making management and integration faster and simpler. Certificate preview ensures regulatory compliance by offering easy verification of game certifications, boosting credibility, whilst the clear game list makes selecting games for promotions or updates straightforward. As for the real-time client statistics overview, performance monitoring enables operators to respond quickly to varied needs or demands, empowering them to make data-driven decisions.
Our support section also streamlines communication with our team, accelerating issue resolution and minimising downtime. Features like the game roadmap preview help operators align their marketing strategies with upcoming releases, and brand view grouping simplifies managing multiple brands.
iGX: How will you use your experience in the Philippines to expand across the wider region?
AH: The Philippines is often seen as a gateway to Southeast Asia, and for Wazdan, it is the foundation for our broader expansion across the continent. The insights we have gained here, from player preferences, which mirror those of neighbouring countries, to working with local regulators, all prepare us for effective entry strategies for other Asian markets.
iGX: How does operating in the Philippines differ from other major global markets in Europe/Latin America? Do these differences require a different type of technology?
AH: Europe and Latin America differ not only in regulation but also in infrastructure and player behaviour. Asia and the Philippines in particular, are highly mobile-led and require lightweight, fast solutions. That’s why at Wazdan, we offer Extremely Light games that are optimised for low connectivity and less powerful devices. At the same time, our technology retains full functionality and quality, making it adaptable across the more traditionally mature markets as well.
iGX: As a global supplier, Wazdan is an experienced company in entering new markets. How has this given you an advantage in the Philippines?
AH: Expanding into new territories is always a challenge, especially in a region as dynamic as Asia. However, having now entered over 30 regulated markets globally, we have gained invaluable knowledge that allows us to effectively navigate licensing processes, adapt to local laws, and, as a result, form strong partnerships. This confidence in experience was critical when debuting in the Philippines with SG8, and it is no coincidence we now have over 45 of our top-performing titles with one of the country’s leading operators.
iGX: How have you learnt to adapt to the constantly evolving frameworks across Asia?
AH: Asia is known for its shifting regulatory landscape, which makes both flexibility and adaptability imperative. At Wazdan, our games are designed with compliance in mind, making it easy to adapt to local rules. We also have a dedicated team that closely monitors regulatory changes to ensure our partners remain fully compliant without delays.
iGX: What have you made of the Philippines landscape since the prohibition of POGOs from the region?
AH: The POGO ban has significantly reshaped the Filipino iGaming landscape, making the market more transparent and shifting player attention towards licensed operators. For Wazdan, as a company operating in line with local regulations, this is a welcome development. Our partnership with local operators and commitment to the licensed market allow us to grow sustainably in an environment that values transparency and quality.
