In September 2025, Grand Korea Leisure (GKL), South Korea’s foreign-only casino operator, reported stable casino revenues. The figures show a steady performance with a turnover of KRW34.8 billion (approximately US$25 million), marking a slight decline of 0.8 percent compared to August, yet a 1.4 percent increase from the same month in 2024.
Despite a flat performance in table revenues, which hit KRW31.4 billion (US$22.6 million) with a 0.6 percent month-on-month increase, a sharp decline in machine game revenues was evident. Machine gaming fell by 12.4 percent from the previous month to KRW3.4 billion (US$2.4 million). Nonetheless, the machine gaming industry experienced significant yearly growth, boasting a 26 percent increase from September 2024. In contrast, table revenues dipped slightly by 0.8 percent on a year-on-year basis.
From January to September 2025, GKL’s total casino sales amounted to KRW318.7 billion (about US$229 million), representing a 10.9 percent decrease compared to the same period last year. However, table game sales exhibited resilience, rising to KRW289.3 billion (about US$208 million) with a year-on-year growth of 10.6 percent. Machine game sales also showed promise, climbing 13.9 percent to KRW29.4 billion (around US$21.1 million).
The total staked amount in September was KRW316 billion (US$227 million), reflecting a 0.8 percent drop from August and a notable 13.8 percent decrease from September 2024. For the first nine months of 2025, the staked total reached KRW2.72 trillion (US$1.95 billion), decreasing moderately by 1.9 percent compared to the same period in 2024.
GKL operates three “Seven Luck” casinos located in Seoul and Busan. As a subsidiary of the Korea Tourism Organization, its business model focuses on attracting foreign nationals, with local citizens barred from gambling at these casinos. This strategy plays a crucial role in boosting tourism, benefiting the broader tourism and hospitality sectors in South Korea.
The recent figures reflect the complex dynamics within South Korea’s casino industry. While the table games segment demonstrates modest growth, the machine gaming sector’s decline highlights vulnerabilities. Yet, the consistent year-on-year increase in revenues suggests that GKL remains on an upward trajectory, primarily supported by foreign tourists.
The South Korean casino market has received a boost from governmental measures aimed at easing access and promoting tourism. These initiatives have helped maintain a degree of stability in an otherwise fluctuating gaming environment. “Even amid the challenges, the flow of tourists remains strong, indicating faith in South Korea’s gaming market,” an industry observer noted.
On the other hand, some market analysts caution about the sustainability of relying heavily on foreign tourism, particularly in light of changing global travel patterns. They suggest that diversification and innovation could be key to long-term growth.
Overall, Grand Korea Leisure’s September performance underscores the dual nature of current market conditions—steady yet exposed to shifts in different gaming segments. As the company looks forward, leveraging its strategic position as a major player in the foreign-only casino market could be pivotal in navigating potential uncertainties.
Sarah Thompson is a seasoned writer specializing in casino gaming and online gambling. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Sarah brings in-depth knowledge and a keen eye for detail to her work at CasinoNoDeposits.com. Her expertise lies in uncovering the latest no deposit bonuses and providing comprehensive reviews of online casinos. Passionate about helping players maximize their gaming experience, Sarah combines her analytical skills with a flair for engaging storytelling.
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