One Month Until SPiCE Southeast Asia 2025 – Industry Insider Weighs In

With just one month to go, SPiCE Southeast Asia 2025 will gather the gaming sector’s most influential leaders and innovators at The Landmark Bangkok in Thailand from 13 to 15 August 2025. New dimensions are being brought to the regional conversation, making this year’s summit perfectly timed for anyone seeking to understand the evolving opportunities and challenges shaping Southeast Asia’s gaming and entertainment markets.

Against the backdrop of shifting regulatory landscapes and a fast-growing tourism sector eager for fresh drivers of economic growth, SPiCE Southeast Asia provides the definitive platform for connecting with regulators, operators, investors, legal experts, and technology luminaries who are defining the future of gaming across diverse Southeast Asian jurisdictions.

Key Insights from Riaan Van Rooyen Ahead of SPiCE Southeast Asia

We spoke with Riaan van Rooyen, Hospitality & Casino Executive at Aria Group International, who shared why this year’s summit is so critical for the region. With Thailand’s gaming legislation “hanging in the balance and the region’s tourism sector hungry for new drivers,” Riaan believes this year’s SPiCE is not just another industry gathering.

“It’s where we find out if Southeast Asia will take the cautious leap forward or entrench the grey market further. It’s the perfect moment to align stakeholders on sustainable paths, even if the law stalls,” he explains.

Discussing growth areas, Riaan points out that “ironically, the greatest growth potential lies in non-traditional gaming formats within entertainment resorts—hospitality-led environments where gaming is discreet, regulated, and integrated with family attractions.” He also notes the rapid rise of mobile-first, culturally localised digital games but cautions that these “will only deliver sustainable value if operators align with compliance and community expectations.”

When asked what participants should expect to take away from SPiCE Southeast Asia, Riaan is direct: “Expect hard truths and fresh strategies. Whether legislation passes or pauses, demand for structured, compliant gaming experiences in the region isn’t going away. Participants will gain practical frameworks for blending gaming into resorts, ensuring ROI while respecting local sensitivities and preparing for the inevitable legal evolution.”

Riaan also shared what personally drives his involvement in events like this. “I’ve seen gaming transform entire cities when done responsibly – and destroy trust when rushed or hidden. My mission is to help Southeast Asia avoid mistakes others have made by championing gaming models that elevate hospitality, communities, and national reputations.”

As for his advice to gaming stakeholders navigating these fast changes, he offers a final thought: “The pause button doesn’t erase the music. Even if legislation delays, prepare your projects with integrity, cultural fluency, and guest-centric design now. Gaming’s future in Southeast Asia will reward those who align their plans with community benefit, not quick wins.”

Speaker Lineup

Get ready to hear from top-tier experts, including:

Akili Polee, CEO, DeFix “NOW” USDT Global Wallet

Akkaraporn Muangsobha, Partner, Rajah & Tann (Thailand) Limited

Amarit Franssen, Co-Founder, AppMan Co., Ltd

Andrew W. Pearson, President, Intelligencia Limited

Bolormaa Ganbold, Senior Director, Murray International

Brycan Dayao, Vice President Operations, Amused Group

Calvin Lim, Executive Chairman, EMB Mission Bound

Chris Thomas, Founder, Yields Digital

Christina Thakor-Rankin, Principal Consultant, 1710 Gaming Ltd

Danny Too, Director of Sales & Business Development, Booming Games

David Carruthers, Founder & CEO, David Carruthers Consultancy Limited

David Leppo, Senior Advisor, Checkmate Mitigation

Deniel Floria, Marketing Consultant, Gioco Games

Dexter Moya, Group Chief Financial Officer, Global Comfort Group Corporation

Dr. Amy Remes, CEO, Kootac

Evan Spytma, CEO, Casino Plus

Harmen Brenninkmeijer, Managing Partner, NYCE International

Mary Mendoza, Managing Director, The Platinum Ltd Consulting Group

Napassorn Lertussavavivat, Associate, Tilleke & Gibbins

Navneeth Srinivas, Founder, MetaMine Gaming

Niall Murray, Chairman, Murray International

Nicholas Levenstein, Founder, Nicholas Levenstein & Company

Nopparat Lalitkomon, Partner, Tilleke & Gibbins

Janis Baltalksnis, Head of Sales Asia, SoftGamings

Jared Valarao, Founder & CEO, Practical Finance Solutions Corporation

Jean Rose D. Buenaventura, CPA, Chief Finance Officer, Jade Entertainment and Gaming Technologies, Inc.

John Ross Calderon, iGaming Consultant, Nuclides Business Solutions

Philip Beere, Chief Marketing Officer, Gaming Analytics

Priya Ahlawat, Founder, Jumping Play Studio

Riaan Van Rooyen, Hospitality & Casino Executive, Aria Group International

Ripul Mantrao, CEO, Jumping Play Studio

Romario Nugraha, Risk Management Analyst, Pacific Sea BPO Services, Inc.

Shaun McCamley, Managing Partner, Euro Pacific Asia Consulting Ltd

Shweta Dubey, CEO & Founder, Aadhya IT Services

Sirirat Rinsiri, Associate, Tilleke & Gibbins

Worawit Nitiborrirak, Partner, MLR Legal (Thailand) Co., Ltd

AND MANY MORE!

Five Topics Not to Be Missed:

Panel Discussion: Economic Impact of Casino Legalisation: What’s Next for the Region?
Fireside Chat: Crypto Meets Compliance: Southeast Asia’s Next Frontier in Gaming Finance
Panel Discussion: Game On or Game Over? Navigating Data Protection and Thailand’s Gaming Rules
Panel Discussion: Diversity & Inclusion as a Growth Strategy: People, Products, and Profit
Panel Discussion: Data-Driven Destinations: Using AI to Optimise Player Engagement and Operational Efficiency

Book Your Spot Now!

With just one month remaining, this is your opportunity to be part of Southeast Asia’s most important forum for gaming industry stakeholders. Whether your goal is to secure invaluable connections, gain firsthand insights, or position your business at the forefront of regional growth, SPiCE Southeast Asia 2025 is where you need to be.

Elevate your network, drive your strategy forward, and be part of shaping the next era of gaming in the region.