Top-10 Casino and Gambling Consultants in APAC [2024]

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region stands at the forefront of the global casino and gambling industry, with its dynamic markets and diverse regulatory environments. As the region continues to experience rapid growth and transformation, the demand for expert guidance in navigating this complex landscape has never been greater. This article introduces the top 10 casino and gambling consultants in APAC for 2024, showcasing professionals who offer unparalleled expertise in market analysis, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and strategic development.

Whether you’re seeking to enter new markets, optimize your operations, or adapt to changing regulations, these consultants provide the crucial insights and strategies needed to succeed in the vibrant and competitive APAC gaming sector.

Best Casino and Gambling Consultants

1. Yilmaz Sonisik

Yilmaz Sonisik is a seasoned digital leader with over 20 years of experience across various industries, including internet businesses, finance, payment systems, sports betting, lottery, iGaming, telecommunications, travel, IT, and software technologies. He has a proven track record of strategic and results-oriented leadership, driving comprehensive business goals and objectives through creativity, transformation, and smart cooperative partnerships.

Yilmaz excels in digital transformation and the adoption of new technologies, ensuring business agility and collaboration in sales, marketing (especially digital marketing), IT, and operational activities. He creates business solutions with a data-driven analytical perspective and is highly experienced in team building and management. Known for interacting effectively with employees, customers, and shareholders, Yilmaz employs empathy, persuasion, flexibility, and adaptability in his approach.

His professional specialties and skills include leadership, business strategy planning and development, new business development, partnership building, growth hacking, product management, project management, e-commerce, and software development. He is adept at strategic market planning and positioning, brand marketing, digital marketing, SEM, SEO, user experience (UX/CX/HX), and conversion optimization. Yilmaz also has significant experience in sales planning, sales team management, call center and CRM management, supply chain management, budget and P&L management, HR management, and contract management. He is recognized for his advanced leadership, communication, and presentation skills.

2. Anuj Barasia 

Anuj Barasia is a seasoned digital marketing professional and revenue specialist with over 14 years of experience. He currently serves as the Chief Marketing & Revenue Officer, focusing on retention, acquisition, and brand management in the Fantasy Sports, Poker, Rummy, Real Money Gaming (RMG), and iGaming sectors.

Anuj has a proven track record of successfully launching new products and growing brands through innovative, data-driven solutions. He excels in building meaningful relationships with consumers, measuring success through engagement, acquisition, and revenue. His strategic approach leverages traditional, non-traditional, and innovative marketing tactics.

Key competencies include launching new brands and IPs with the correct product positioning, converting consumer insights into sales and new product launches, developing incremental revenue opportunities, analyzing competition, managing end-to-end sales funnels, and rejuvenating products and brands. He is also adept at improving operational and functional goals.

Anuj specializes in brand building, product marketing, ATL and digital campaigns, performance marketing, revenue growth, CAC optimization, user funnels, retention, media buying, search (SEO & SEM), automation, team management, business strategy, and launching new IPs.

3. Navneeth Srinivas

Navneeth Srinivas is a seasoned pioneer in the online gaming industry, particularly focused on real cash games like rummy and poker. With over 20 years of experience, he has been instrumental in advancing the industry, building significant value, and creating successful ventures such as WYZ Gaming India Pvt. Ltd. (Bunga365) and Quantumskill Gaming & Tech Pvt. Ltd. (PokerHigh.com).

Navneeth Srinivas can offer immense value as a consultant in various areas. With over 20 years in the online gaming industry, he provides deep knowledge in real cash games like rummy and poker, helping businesses navigate this complex market. His experience in building and growing successful ventures enables him to guide market entry, expansion, and identify new opportunities. Navneeth’s expertise in regulatory and compliance matters assists businesses in navigating legal challenges and ensuring compliance.

He offers strategic insights into marketing and brand positioning, enhancing market presence and competitiveness. With his background in customer relationship management, he helps improve customer engagement and retention, leading to increased revenue. As a pioneer in digital transformation, Navneeth assists businesses in adopting new technologies to streamline operations and drive innovation. His strategic financial planning and P&L management skills optimize financial performance and growth.

4. Amit Shandilya

Amit Shandilya is an experienced professional in the iGaming industry, with over a decade of expertise in sports betting, online casinos, online lotteries, and B2B iGaming solutions. As an avid gamer, he has successfully transitioned his passion into a career, having been involved in more than 500 iGaming start-ups, including fantasy sports, online casinos, sports betting, betting exchanges, and online poker.

Amit possesses a comprehensive understanding of major regulations, compliance, and laws governing the iGaming sector. In addition to his iGaming experience, he has over 15 years of combined experience in operations, finance, and sales. His educational background in finance and accounting has equipped him with a thorough understanding of US GAAP, payroll, budgeting, and forecasting.

Amit’s extensive knowledge and experience make him a valuable asset for any iGaming venture, offering insights and expertise in regulatory compliance, financial management, and strategic operations.

5. David Yatom

David Yatom is a seasoned legal consultant specializing in the online gambling industry. With over a decade of experience, he has built a strong reputation for representing gambling industry companies in complex deals, acquisitions, and mergers. David has a particular focus on sports betting platforms and B2B operations, though he has also represented B2C companies.

He has successfully managed the licensing process in major European countries and expanded his expertise to include licensing in the United States. David is well-versed in AML regulations and GDPR compliance, ensuring that his clients operate within legal boundaries.

His skills include corporate law, online gaming, legal advice, international law, legal research, competition law, legal writing, litigation, employment law, international relations, corporate governance, legal assistance, administrative law, research, privacy law, civil litigation, intellectual property, mediation, negotiation, and antitrust law.

David Yatom’s extensive experience and legal expertise make him a valuable asset for companies in the online gaming industry, providing strategic legal advice and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

6. Alok Noronha 

Alok Noronha is an experienced gaming consultant with over seven years in the industry, specializing in growth, localization, and leadership for the Indian market. Currently serving as the India Country Manager at a global gaming company, he oversees the growth, product localization, leadership, and P&L for the company’s India operations. Alok is driven by the mission to connect people through fun and immersive games, bringing a wealth of diverse perspectives and experiences to his role, including co-founding a sports fantasy gaming company and leading a product team at an online poker platform.

In his current position, Alok has successfully launched and scaled several games in India, achieving significant growth in user acquisition, retention, and revenue. He has built and led a cross-functional team of product managers, developers, designers, and marketers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and customer-centricity. Notable projects under his leadership include the development of a skills dashboard, a new desktop interface, and a progressive web app tailored for Indian users. Additionally, Alok leverages his expertise in technical analysis, derivatives, and financial markets to optimize game monetization and pricing strategies.

7. Jaydeep Chakravartty 

Jaydeep Chakravartty is a seasoned business consultant specializing in the gaming and gambling industry, with over 21 years of experience in business development, marketing, and product development across various sectors, including online gaming, gambling regulations and compliance, e-commerce, social media, internet, and mobile applications. He has played a significant role in the growth and regulation of the gaming and gambling industry in India, having served as a member of the Meghalaya Gaming Commission, the first and only gaming commission in India, established under the Meghalaya Gaming Act 2021.

Jaydeep has been a key member of top management teams, driving business development, marketing, and product strategies across different business verticals. His responsibilities have included identifying high-return opportunities, conducting due diligence and risk assessment, and implementing selected projects. He has worked closely with C-level executives to achieve business goals.

His key focus areas include regulation and compliance, online marketing and business development, partnerships and relationship management, people management, commercial management (including forecasting and budgeting to optimize ROI), and product lifecycle management. He also has specialized skills in sales, key account management, and carrier relations.

8. Aman Kathuria

Aman Kathuria is a seasoned iGaming consultant with over 10 years of experience in digital marketing and online advertising. He is passionate and results-oriented, specializing in media operations and sales to help clients acquire high-quality customers and generate revenue through various online channels and platforms. As a Digital Marketing Consultant in a leading iGaming company, Aman excels in media buying and selling, PPC, and Meta Ads OEM.

Aman has proficient knowledge of critical analytics and research platforms such as Adobe Analytics, Google Analytics, Google AdWords, Facebook Business Manager, LinkedIn Ads Manager, Twitter Ads Manager, Google Webmaster, and Google Keyword Planner. He is also experienced with ad trafficking tools like Adgebra, Affise, Cake, Hasoffers, Offers18, Outbrain, Taboola, and Zedo.

Throughout his career, Aman has successfully managed and executed numerous campaigns for iGaming clients, including online rummy, casino, and sportsbook. His efforts have led to increased sales volumes, improved user retention rates, and optimized conversion rates. Additionally, he has trained and recruited new affiliates to enhance the quality and quantity of referral traffic.

Aman is continually seeking new opportunities and challenges to leverage his skills and expertise in the iGaming and online advertising industry.

9. Manjrish Dwivedi

Manjrish Dwivedi is a digital consultant in the iGaming industry with eight years of experience in digital marketing. His career includes two and a half years as an affiliate and over five years in affiliate marketing networks, where he has been responsible for delivering campaigns on CPL, CPS, and CPA models across worldwide geographies.

Manjrish possesses a highly proactive attitude, strong analytical reasoning, and problem-solving capabilities. His specialties include affiliate account management, advertising strategy, budgeting, business planning, public relations, multimedia presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel sheet management, price negotiation, publicity management, conversion management, social media promotions, business development, and supply chain control.

Throughout his career, he has developed a keen ability to manage affiliate accounts, create effective advertising strategies, and drive business growth through meticulous planning and execution. Manjrish is always looking for opportunities where he can leverage his skills for profitability and contribute to the success of the organizations he works with

10. Kabilan Palani

Kabilan Palani is a seasoned consultant specializing in lottery and sports betting. He has been providing technology solutions for lottery, sports betting, and virtual sports at GI TECH GAMING CO INDIA PRIVATE LTD for nearly 22 years, since September 2002. With extensive experience in the industry, Kabilan offers valuable insights and expertise in developing and implementing effective technology solutions tailored to the needs of lottery and sports betting businesses. His long-term commitment to GI TECH GAMING demonstrates his depth of knowledge and reliability in this specialized field.

Guiding Lights in APAC’s Gaming Landscape

As the Asia-Pacific region continues to grow as a hub for the global casino and gambling industry, the role of expert consultants becomes increasingly vital. The top 10 consultants featured in this article represent the best in the field, offering unparalleled expertise in navigating the unique challenges and opportunities of this diverse market. Their insights into market dynamics, regulatory landscapes, and strategic operations are invaluable for businesses looking to thrive in this fast-paced environment. Whether expanding into new territories or optimizing existing operations, these consultants provide the essential guidance needed to achieve success and sustainable growth in the APAC gaming sector. As the industry evolves, their expertise will remain a crucial asset for any business aiming to stay ahead in this competitive landscape.