Online gambling in South Korea
Background
Like most Asian regions, South Korea imposes restrictions on its resident’s ability to gamble. Also like most Asian jurisdictions, while the government maintains that these restrictions extend implicitly to online gambling and holds a dim view of such activity, in reality no specific laws exist expressly prohibiting internet casinos and sports betting.
South Korea’s gambling landscape is particularly interesting. A single terrestrial casino legally accessible by locals exists by virtue of the ‘Special Act on the Assistance to the Development of Abandoned Mine Areas‘ in the remote Kangwon province. Less geographically remote casinos do exist in hotels in Seoul, Incheon and Jeju Island, however these casinos are open to foreigners only, not South Korean residents – pursuant to the Tourism Promotion Act. Enforcement of this unusual law is taken very seriously by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
South Koreans looking to play blackjack, baccarat, sicbo or roulette must make the trek to Kangwon, fly to the likes of Macau or Singapore or further afield, or play online.
Korean Roulette with Korean speaking dealers @ Stake
As noted above, online play is frowned upon, but presently placed in the authority’s ‘too hard basket’ from a regulatory point of view.
Current Regulations
South Korea has stringent regulations against most forms of gambling, including online gambling. The primary legislation governing gambling activities includes the National Sports Promotion Act, the Tourism Promotion Act, and the Criminal Code.
- National Sports Promotion Act: Regulates sports betting through the Sports Toto and horse racing through the Korean Racing Authority.
- Tourism Promotion Act: Governs casino operations, allowing only foreigners to gamble in most casinos, with the exception of Kangwon Land Casino, which is open to South Korean citizens.
- Criminal Code: Prohibits unauthorised gambling activities and includes severe penalties for operators and participants of illegal gambling.
Online gambling is mostly illegal, with the government actively blocking access to unauthorised gambling websites and prosecuting offending providers. However, certain forms of regulated betting, like Sports Toto, are allowed online under strict conditions.
Major Operators
The government sanctioned online gambling market in South Korea is limited. The major operators include:
- Sports Toto: The only legal sports betting platform, regulated by the National Sports Promotion Act. It offers betting on various sports, including football, baseball, and basketball.
- Korean Racing Authority (KRA): Oversees horse racing betting, including online options. The KRA is a government-regulated entity ensuring fair and responsible gambling.
Korean Speed Baccarat @ Stake
Despite these regulated options, many South Koreans access unauthorised offshore gambling sites, which remain a significant challenge for the government. Live dealer tables with Korean dealers are offered by well known international operators.
The authorities continue to combat these activities through enforcement measures and technological interventions.
