South Korea is grappling with a significant increase in illegal gambling activities, especially among its younger population. Recent data from regulators indicate that the illegal gambling market in the country is valued at approximately 96 trillion won, or $65 billion. Alarmingly, about 4% of the youth have already participated in such activities. This surge, as highlighted by police reports, is a cause for concern, with the number of criminal cases linked to youth gambling rising sharply from 478 in 2024 to 777 in 2025, marking a 62% increase, according to SpoTV News. This trend is prompting lawmakers and regulators to label the issue a burgeoning social crisis, with Rep. Jeon Jeon-gi emphasizing the need for societal recognition of the problem’s gravity.
The implications of this rise in illegal gambling extend beyond the games themselves, as it often leads to secondary crimes. Lee Jin-sik of the Supervisory Committee has warned that the social costs associated with youth gambling could escalate to 2 trillion won. Ha Dong-jin, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Women and Youth Division, echoed these concerns, noting the broader social ramifications. During a recent debate at the National Assembly, stakeholders concurred that a comprehensive response is required—one that goes beyond mere enforcement. This approach should involve collaboration among various ministries, including education, welfare, and family affairs, alongside regulators and the sports sector.
Some debate participants suggested revitalizing school sports as a potential deterrent to illegal gambling, drawing on international models like those in the United States, where school-based sports offer incentives to keep students engaged. Professor Kim Dong-hwan advocated for leveraging the current school system to combat illegal gambling among young people effectively.
The debate coincides with the appointment of Choi Byung-hwan as the new chairman of South Korea’s National Gambling Control Commission. Confirmed by the Prime Minister, Choi’s leadership marks the commencement of the commission’s seventh term. In his inaugural address at the Government Complex in Gwacheon, Choi outlined his priorities, which include enhancing consumer protections and fostering a healthier gambling environment. He committed to developing systems that protect citizens from gambling’s adverse effects while promoting industry sustainability.
However, Choi’s tenure begins amidst significant challenges, as the illegal gambling market continues to expand. The task of reforming the legal gambling landscape and curbing the rise of illegal platforms presents a complex challenge for the new chairman and his team. Addressing these issues will require coordinated efforts from multiple sectors and sustained regulatory vigilance.
As South Korea confronts this growing crisis, the next steps will involve implementing a robust strategy that effectively combines regulation with prevention. The focus will be on crafting policies that not only enforce existing laws but also deter the youth from engaging in illegal gambling activities. The timeline for these measures will be crucial, as will ongoing evaluations of their effectiveness in curbing the illegal gambling market and its associated societal costs.
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