The Asia and Middle East electronic gaming machine (EGM) market is expected to return to growth after several years of decline, with annual growth forecast at 3 per cent between 2025 and 2030, according to market data presented by Aristocrat Leisure at its 2026 Investor Briefing. The projection signals a turnaround for the region and reflects increasing opportunities from new casino openings and expansion projects across Asia and the United Arab Emirates.
Asia and Middle East EGM market returns to growth
Aristocrat Leisure said the Asia and Middle East EGM market contracted at a compound annual rate of 4 per cent between 2019 and 2025. This made it the only major region in the company’s market analysis to record a decline during that period.
However, new figures from H2 Gaming Capital point to a recovery. The market is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 3 per cent from 2025 to 2030, bringing it in line with North America and ahead of both Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) and Europe.
The figures were included in Aristocrat’s investor presentation in Sydney and lodged with the Australian Securities Exchange.
Global land-based gambling market worth $301B
Aristocrat valued the global EGM market at $174 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR) in 2025. The company estimated the wider global land-based gambling market at $301 billion.
The presentation highlighted that land-based gaming remains a significant part of the global gambling industry, with electronic gaming machines continuing to generate a large share of gaming revenue across regulated markets.
New casino openings expected to drive demand
Aristocrat identified new casino openings and expansion projects across Asia, the UAE and Europe as key opportunities for future growth in its land-based gaming business.
The company said it typically secures a higher market share in new casino developments and expansion projects than its overall installed portfolio average. This positions Aristocrat to benefit as more gaming venues open or expand over the coming years.
In North America, Aristocrat expects continued demand for new gaming machines. The company cited Eilers Slot & Table Demand Forecast data showing projected new and expansionary unit sales of about 16,000 machines in 2026. Annual demand is then expected to remain above 14,000 units through 2028.
Strong market position across key regions
Aristocrat also outlined its current market share across several regions.
According to Eilers Gaming Supplier data presented during the briefing, the company holds a 38 per cent share of the Gaming Operations segment in North America. It also has a 27 per cent outright sales ship share in the region.
In ANZ, Aristocrat reported an even stronger position with a 48 per cent ship share.
The company used Australia as an example of its recent performance, saying its ANZ market share increased from 30 per cent to 49 per cent in the 12 months to the March 2026 quarter.
Aristocrat attributed the improvement to the release of 43 new game titles, deployment of more than 4,800 Multilink units across New South Wales and Queensland, and more than 12,000 Baron cabinet installations.
The company also confirmed that its new Phoenix Link title will launch in New South Wales, with additional game releases scheduled to be showcased at the Australasian Gaming Expo in August.
Company maintains FY26 growth outlook
Alongside its market update, Aristocrat reaffirmed its financial outlook for the year ending 30 September 2026.
The company expects NPATA growth on a constant currency basis. It also said Gaming Operations net unit growth is likely to reach the upper end of its target range of 4,000 to 5,000 units for FY26.
Meanwhile, Aristocrat Interactive continues to target revenue of $1 billion by the 2029 financial year, reflecting the company’s long-term focus on expanding both its land-based and digital gaming businesses.
Stay ahead of iGaming’s biggest stories with SiGMA’s Top 10 News countdown. The world’s biggest iGaming community brings you weekly insights and subscriber-only offers. Join HERE today.
