Q&A with Mike Lo, TESTA: Why Live Dealer Games are Thriving in Asia - and How Testing Can Help

Live dealer games have emerged as a dominant feature in Asia’s iGaming market, blending technological innovation, cultural alignment, and trust to captivate players across the region. Their ability to deliver an authentic and interactive experience has set them apart, appealing to players who value transparency, social engagement, and localised offerings tailored to their preferences.

To better understand this phenomenon, I had the pleasure to sit down with Mike Lo, who works with TESTA and its sister company, Jigentec, as Head of Solutions. A seasoned expert in solutions delivery, Mike has 15 years of experience providing internet solutions in Asia for iGaming clients.

In this discussion, we explore why live dealer games are uniquely popular in Asia, why optimisation is critical for success in the region, and how the industry can adapt to meet the demands of this rapidly evolving market.

Without further ado, let’s jump right in!

Gali: Why are live dealer games especially popular in Asia?

Mike: It’s all about trust and cultural preferences. In Asia, players want to see the action happen live - they want to know the games are fair and transparent. The live dealer format provides that authenticity. You can see the cards being dealt or the roulette wheel spinning in real time, which builds confidence in the outcome.

This trust factor is rooted in the live selling phenomenon that exploded in Asia a few years back. Players became accustomed to real-time interactions, whether for buying products or playing games. That same principle of engagement and reassurance has carried over into live dealer gaming.

Gali: Is there more to it than just trust, there’s also the social aspect, right?

Mike: Definitely. The social aspect is huge. Live dealer games let players interact with the dealer and sometimes even with other players. It feels more like a shared experience, which is important in many Asian cultures.

Then there’s the localisation factor. Operators have done a great job of tailoring games to the region - offering games like Sic Bo or Andar Bahar that resonate with local traditions. Combine all of that with Asia’s fast-growing mobile gaming scene, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for live dealer games to thrive.

Gali: Speaking of mobile, how does technology play into this?

Mike: Technology is the backbone of live dealer games. Seamless streaming, low latency, and cross-platform compatibility are essential for keeping players engaged.

Players expect their games to work flawlessly, whether they’re on a smartphone in India or a high-speed desktop in South Korea.

Gali: Now to shift our focus slightly, how does optimisation tie into the live dealer experience?

Mike: I always say that load time optimisation is like the front door to your casino. It sets the tone for the entire user experience. If players have to wait for games to load, they’re likely to bounce right off to a competitor. For live dealer games, where players expect instant engagement, this is even more critical.

Providers need to prioritise this by optimising code, compressing assets, and leveraging technologies like Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to ensure smooth loading times.

Speed matters, and it’s often the difference between retaining a player and losing them.

Gali: What can providers do to address the unique demands of each Asian market?

Mike: This is where understanding the local landscape becomes really important. From internet infrastructure to cultural nuances, every market in Asia is unique. Providers should invest in market research and tailor their games accordingly.

For example, in areas with slower internet speeds, offering lighter versions of games or optimising for mobile play can make a big difference. And for high-speed markets like South Korea, focusing on high-resolution, low-latency streaming can take the user experience to the next level.

Gali: Let’s turn our attention to recommendations for operators and providers, what about server location and livestream protocols?

Mike: Those are two of the most impactful areas to optimise right away. By deploying regional server hubs closer to players, providers can reduce latency and ensure seamless streaming. The closer, the better.

For livestream protocols, choosing the right one - like HLS for Apple or DASH for Android - can make a big difference in performance across devices. It’s all about speed and compatibility. If you get those right, you’re already ahead of the game.

Gali: Making sure the media player UI supports adaptive resolution is a bit of a no-brainer these days but still something to check, correct?

Mike: It’s surprising to see a media player without it these days, yes, but it does happen. Adaptive resolution is key. By dynamically adjusting resolution based on network conditions, providers can ensure smooth gameplay even on shaky connections.

Giving players control over their settings is another best practice. Combine that with a clean, simple interface, and you’ll keep players engaged longer.

Gali: How can providers deliver consistent performance across diverse markets?

Mike: It’s a balancing act. Providers need to account for variations in network infrastructure and optimise their games accordingly.

Offering lower bitrate streams for markets with slower connections is one option, while technologies like peer-to-peer networking can reduce server strain. Flexibility and adaptability are key.

Gali: To wrap up our discussion, SPiCE International was recently held in Taipei, where live dealer games were a big focus. How does that tie into the themes we’ve discussed?

Mike: SPiCE was a fantastic event for highlighting just how important live dealer games are in Asia. The sessions I attended reinforced what we’ve been talking about: trust and transparency are the foundation of player engagement, and optimising the user experience is critical for keeping players invested.

A lot of the discussion focused on meeting the diverse demands of different markets, from tailoring games for local preferences to overcoming challenges with network infrastructure. It was also clear that operators and providers who invest in better load times and seamless gameplay have a real edge.

Gali: What were the key takeaways for live dealer providers?

Mike: One big takeaway was the emphasis on consistency. Whether you're streaming to a player in Tokyo or a mobile user in rural India, the quality has to feel the same. Providers can’t afford to have gaps in performance.

Another point that came up a lot was the importance of adaptability. Asia’s markets move fast, and player expectations are always evolving. Providers that can anticipate these shifts and adapt their games accordingly will be the ones that thrive.

Gali: With so much focus on live dealer games at SPiCE, what do you think the future holds for this segment in Asia?

Mike: I think live dealer games are only going to grow in popularity, especially as the technology behind them keeps improving. Players expect more immersive, high-quality experiences, and providers are rising to the challenge.

It’s a really exciting time for live dealer games in Asia. The potential is huge, but the key will always be understanding the players, optimising the experience, and staying ahead of the curve.

This conversation with Mike Lo of TESTA and Jigentec has shed light on the intersection of cultural and social dynamics that generate appeal, and technological precision driving the success of live dealer games in Asia. It’s clear that trust, transparency, and relentless optimisation are non-negotiables for delivering the seamless, elevated experiences today’s players demand.

On the backdrop of this diverse and rapidly evolving market, success will belong to those who master the integration of cultural relevance with cutting-edge technology, as well as anticipating shifts in player behaviour to create intuitive player journeys and experiences tailored to regional nuances.

Nonetheless, as these markets mature and expectations grow, one question remains:

How will live dealer games continue to adapt in an industry that never stands still?

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