Asia is the premier gaming market of the future, Stephen Crystal asserts

Jenny Ortiz August 2, 2024

With almost 5 billion people living in Asia, the region is a big market for many industries including gaming. A report co-published by Google and Niko Partners states that the region is home to 1.5 billion gamers.

Speaking with SiGMA News during the recently concluded SiGMA Asia in the Philippines, Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO of SCCG Management, shared his insights on the evolution of the gaming industry, the importance of technology and innovation, and the burgeoning Asian gaming market.

Reflecting on his extensive career, Crystal highlighted the community-centric nature of the gaming industry. “The best people in the world are in this industry,” he said. “We do something fun. The gaming industry brings entertainment to people, hopefully in a responsible way.”

Crystal emphasised the multifaceted nature of the industry, which combines technology, content, and people to create enjoyable entertainment experiences. “The first big project we did was in Las Vegas. We acquired half of the old part of Vegas, Fremont Street, six casinos, 7,000 employees, almost 450,000 square feet of gaming,” he recounted. “It was a great way to come into the industry in a real way as an operator.”

Asia: The future of gaming

Crystal shared his optimistic outlook for the Asian gaming market. “Sixty-five percent of the world’s population between the ages of 20 and 45 are Asian,” he noted. “If you’re in any industry, not the least of which is the gaming industry, and you’re not focused on Asia, then you’re missing the future.”

Crystal highlighted the potential for growth in various Asian countries. “We’re here in Asia because we want to expand in Asia. Casinos are coming online in Thailand, more casinos in the Philippines, more casinos in Vietnam, and casinos in (South) Korea. In this market, Japan is going to have integrated resorts (IRs). This (Asian) market is booming,” he enthused.

Integrating diverse Experience for client benefit

With a background in law, investment, and executive roles within the gaming industry, Crystal has a unique perspective on integrating diverse experiences to benefit clients. “I started in the industry helping public companies and entrepreneurs finance their casinos, build their dreams,” he explained. This approach has allowed him to guide SCCG Management in supporting both large-scale projects and emerging markets globally.

Crystal’s philosophy of living without regret has driven his career. “You live one life as far as we know, and I think with that life, you should try to reach your full potential,” he stated.

Embracing innovation and technology

Crystal underscored the importance of innovation and technology in the gaming sector. He said SCCG Management has been proactive in supporting young entrepreneurs and new ideas. “Oftentimes, innovation comes from outside the industry and into the industry. The key is to have an open mind and be able to see that and support those people, mentor those people,” he said.

SCCG’s commitment to advising companies and helping them gain market access to emerging markets is paired with a dedication to nurturing young entrepreneurs’ dreams and visions for improving the industry.

Future expansion and support for entrepreneurs

Looking ahead, Crystal revealed SCCG Management’s plans for expansion. “We just opened up in Brazil, an amazing market for expansion. We want to be in Latin America more, we want to be in Africa more, we want to be in Dubai and MENA more,” he shared.

Crystal emphasised that SCCG Management’s future would continue to involve supporting young entrepreneurs and expanding into new markets. “More expansion, more support of young entrepreneurs, more of what we’ve been doing for 35 years,” he said.

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