Illegal online gambling in South Korea has seen a staggering increase, tripling from 2019 to 2023. The National Gambling Control Commission (NGCC) reports that incidents of illegal gambling soared from 13,064 to over 39,000 during this period, with online gambling now accounting for more than 80% of these illegal activities.
The Impact of the Pandemic on Gambling Trends
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly contributed to the rise in illegal gambling, as lockdowns and restrictions led to the closure of legal gambling venues. This situation forced many individuals to seek out unregulated platforms, resulting in what experts describe as a “balloon effect.”
- Key Statistics:
- Illegal gambling revenue jumped from KRW70 trillion in 2016 to KRW102 trillion in 2022.
- Online gambling now represents 80% of illegal wagers, with sports betting making up 19.4%.
The pandemic’s restrictions on legitimate businesses have inadvertently fueled illegal activities, raising concerns about the long-term implications for society.
Youth Vulnerability and Growing Addiction
The rise in illegal online gambling has particularly affected young people, with alarming statistics emerging about gambling addiction among minors. The Korea Gambling Problem Prevention and Healing Center reported that over 2,600 minors sought treatment for gambling disorders this year, marking a 4.6-fold increase since 2017.
- Survey Findings:
- 26% of 18,400 surveyed students engaged in online gambling within the last three months.
A cyber-crime officer from Gyeonggi Bukbu Province noted that illegal operators are increasingly targeting younger audiences, viewing them as potential long-term customers. The anonymity and accessibility of these platforms make it challenging for authorities to combat the issue effectively.
High-Profile Cases Bring Attention to the Issue
The problem of gambling addiction gained national attention recently when comedian Lee Jin-ho publicly admitted to his struggles with online gambling. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he revealed that he had accrued significant debts after discovering an illegal gambling site in 2020.
- Consequences of Lee’s Admission:
- Removal from the Netflix series “Knowing Bros.”
- Dropped from the variety show “Comedy Revenge.”
- Loss of ambassador role for Hwaseong City.
Lee expressed deep regret over his actions, stating, “The financial loss is painful, but what hurts more is betraying those who lent me money.” His case highlights the personal and professional repercussions of gambling addiction.
Government Response and Ongoing Challenges
Despite the alarming rise in illegal gambling, the NGCC has faced budget cuts, reducing its ability to monitor illegal online activities. The commission’s budget decreased from KRW1.87 billion in 2019 to KRW1.43 billion last year, and its monitoring staff has also been reduced.
- Enforcement Efforts:
- Over 40,000 illegal gambling websites have been shut down or blocked between 2018 and 2022.
- First-time offenders can face fines up to KRW10 million, while repeat offenders risk three years in prison.
South Korea’s strict gambling laws limit locals to specific regulated formats, such as lotteries and horse racing, with casino gambling restricted to Kangwon Land. However, the limited legal options have led many to turn to illegal online platforms, which are easily accessible from home.
As the appetite for gambling continues to grow, the South Korean government faces the challenge of addressing a burgeoning black market that is increasingly difficult to control. The need for effective strategies to combat illegal gambling and protect vulnerable populations, especially youth, has never been more urgent.
