Gambling has been a staple of cultures around the world. In the case of the United States, Europeans introduced new forms of gambling, including card games, lotteries, and dice games as they immigrated to the Americas over the centuries.
Today, Las Vegas is one of the most popular gambling destinations worldwide, with online casinos available when people can’t travel all the way to Sin City. The US online casino industry has grown so big that the sector’s revenue is projected to reach over US$29bn in 2025. Some Asian countries, such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and India, have also discovered the great potential of online casinos and are now taking steps to regulate the industry.
Whether in the East or the West, there are more and more people who are attracted to online gambling. But what are the differences between gambling preferences in East Asian countries and the US? We’ll explain!
Game Preferences
In modern times, there are hardly any differences in the range of games offered between East and West. Slots, card games, roulette, and dice games are all available to a worldwide audience. However, a few games have gained more popularity among players from East Asian countries. This is the case, for example, with the dice game Sic Bo in Macau. Similarly, Baccarat enjoys a prestigious reputation in Singapore. Indians have their own preferences when it comes to online casino games, with the most popular being Andar Bahar and Teen Patti, alongside the usual slots, blackjack, and poker.
Online casino players in the US prefer slots, poker, craps, blackjack, and roulette, which have been part of American gambling culture for decades. Slot machines are particularly popular due to their fast-paced nature, easy-to-learn mechanics, and high payouts. Texas Hold’em and American Roulette are staples of the American casino scene and can be found in almost every online casino in the US. Players in the US also have access to live online casino games broadcast directly from prestigious land-based casinos across the country.
Cultural Influences
Online casinos all have one thing in common: a vast selection of games to choose from. Only a few exceptions are tied to specific countries.
In both parts of the world, online gaming operators adapt their marketing strategies to account for cultural sensitivities. Those who understand and respect cultural differences are better positioned to attract and retain players. They incorporate traditional elements and symbols into their platforms to achieve this, tailoring their design choices based on cultural influences.
If you look at slot games in East Asian countries, you will find many that are familiar to the US, but have different design elements. Live casino games are also influenced by regional customs. For example, platforms that cater to Asian audiences use red and gold color schemes, which are considered symbols of wealth and good fortune. Dragons are also frequently featured in online casino games aimed at this audience. The aesthetic choices are not random; developers place them strategically to create a familiar environment that resonates with local players.
In the US, red and gold are also prominent colors in slot games, along with the iconic lucky 7 symbol. Advanced graphics, creative storylines, and immersive bonus rounds are common in slot games to enhance player engagement. However, the differences are more pronounced when it comes to table games. American roulette tables often feature red, white, and blue color schemes with stars resembling the American flag. Some blackjack tables even have NBA-themed designs. The competition among US operators is fierce, and they continue to push boundaries with new concepts to secure a piece of the pie.
Bridging Cultures
One thing is clear: online gambling is booming, with players from both the East and the West contributing to its evolution. While the core mechanics of the games remain consistent worldwide, cultural differences between Asian countries and the US introduce unique nuances. Understanding the preferences of different players will help operators enrich their offerings with a variety of games that cater to a broader audience.
