These days,
Cryptologic has been no stranger to the Asian facing
online gambling industry. In fact, the company now has
several investments in Asia, which according to the CEO
and President, Brian Hadfield, our "exceeding
expectations" for both Cryptologic and the Asian
industry itself. One of these investments specifically
targets the popular Asian game of Mahjong, and holds
great potential for the company in the years to come.
Shortly following Cryptologic's investment in the
online mahjong software developer, Mahjong Time, the
Asian-based group recently scored a licensing deal that
will allow them to provide online mahjong betting
solutions to half of the internet cafes proliferating
China. This amounts to a presence in thirty provinces,
250 cities and partnerships with over 1,200 wholesale
distributors.
With over 253 million internet users, China
potentially represents the largest and fastest growing
online gambling market in the world. Of course,
regulations and red tape will play a part in that;
However, the fact remains that the Chinese and all of
Asia are no stranger to gambling, superstition and the
notion of "good luck". Mahjong itself is the most
popular game in Asia and is estimated to be played by
more than 600 million people worldwide.
Online mahjong is even catching on more in the U.S.,
although Cryptologic online casinos and licensees do not
do business in the U.S. (If you are looking for a U.S.
facing online mahjong room, try the Microgaming-powered
Crazy Vegas Casino - 28Mahjong.com). The World Series of Mahjong,
which is like the World Series of Poker for the rest of
the world (and which Mahjong Time is an official partner
of), is helping to popularize this domino-like "game of
skill" even more.
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