Both the Middle East and South Asia's gaming sectors are expanding rapidly. However, these changes are happening for different reasons and at different rates.
South Asian nations have regulatory challenges, while Middle Eastern nations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have backing from the government as they figure out ways to expand the gaming industry.
The UAE, in particular, is becoming one of the region’s top digital entertainment centers. Even though casino gaming is still restricted, many residents continue to enjoy offshore platforms. These sites let users play real money online casino games such as slots and live dealer tables, all while supporting them with secure payment options, including cryptocurrency and instant withdrawals.
Although South Asia's government doesn't formally recognise the gaming sector as much as the Middle East's government has, the industry continues to grow, and there are indications that it might warm up to it in the years to come. South Asia's gaming industry is dominated by countries such as India and Nepal, and projections from these nations suggest that there is still a massive untapped potential for gaming in the region.
With a predominantly youth population, India has one of the largest consumer bases in South Asia. Currently, the gaming market has a customer size of $4.38 billion, and at an annual growth rate of 14.8% between 2025 and 2030, the market size is expected to reach $8.74 billion by 2030.
Nepal also has similar statistics to India. It is projected that the Nepali online gaming market will generate $5.72 million in revenue by 2025. Between 2025 and 2030, the revenue is expected to expand at a 9.40% annual growth rate, reaching a new valuation of $8.97 million.
The customer base in South Asia opens doors to a lot of possibilities. With over 700 million internet users in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India, mobile gaming is now the primary source of entertainment for young people in the region.
However, the gaming rules have slowed the industry's growth. In August, Indian lawmakers passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, a bill that targeted poker, card games, and fantasy sports platforms. Experts fear that these restrictions could soon affect casual gaming apps that give out monetary rewards if care isn't taken.
While South Asia is navigating restrictions, the Middle East is moving in the opposite direction. The collaboration between government agencies and the private sector has made it possible for global gaming and esports companies to invest in the region.
Countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are working to ensure the success of the gaming industry in the Middle East. Apart from spending billions to build gaming districts, the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, for example, has also invested in global gaming companies, such as its recent acquisition of Electronic Arts (EA).
Gaming is the next big industry, and while the Middle East has taken the bull by the horns, countries in South Asia seem to be lagging. For this region, there is a long way to go, but by adapting and emulating the agenda of the Middle East region, it can cover up lost ground in no time.
