South Korea online gambling issues

In July 2026 South Korean police introduced a voluntary self‑reporting system for anyone under 19 who had participated in online gambling. Within two months the programme recorded 806 cases, a 74 % increase from its first month, including severe debt situations and early‑age gambling. Authorities coordinated with schools and addiction counselors to offer counseling, psychiatric care and debt‑adjustment assistance, and the scheme was set to run through the end of August.

By early August 2026, separate reports highlighted the rapid expansion of South Korea’s online casino market despite the country’s strict gambling laws. The articles noted a shift toward mobile‑optimized platforms, live‑dealer games and cryptocurrency payments, which have driven user growth. While domestic gambling remains limited to the Kangwon Land resort, most online operators are licensed abroad. The reports warned of scams and emphasized the need for certification, but projected continued market growth driven by technological innovation and diverse game offerings.