Published on: October 18, 2024, 11:55h.
Last updated on: October 18, 2024, 11:55h.
The National Gambling Control Commission of South Korea has reported an increase in cases of illegal online gambling in the country.
Following a recent scandal involving a Korean comedian using funds from celebrity friends, including a BTS member, to support his online gambling addiction, the NGCC revealed the surge in illegal gambling cases.
The NGCC data, provided at the request of an opposition lawmaker, showed a significant increase in illegal gambling complaints from less than 14,000 in 2019 to 48,648 last year.
Offshore Casinos Targeting Koreans
The NGCC disclosed that rogue online casino gambling websites were the main source of illegal gambling activities, accounting for over 80% of the cases.
Offshore gaming sites primarily operating from jurisdictions like the Philippines, Malta, Curacao, and Isle of Man were found responsible for the surge in illegal online gambling in South Korea.
Legal gambling in South Korea is limited, with options such as the state-run lottery and parimutuel horse wagering. Additionally, residents can gamble at Kangwon Land, located about 100 miles east of Seoul.
To access the local area of Kangwon Land, residents must pay a toll of KRW9,000 (US$6.57). The locals’ section of the casino is reportedly always busy compared to the foreigner gaming space.
South Korea’s 16 other casinos are exclusively for foreigners.
Comedian’s Not So Funny Situation
Comedian Lee Jin Ho, known for his role in the series “Knowing Bros.” on Netflix, recently confessed to funding his online gambling habit with loans from celebrity friends, leading to a significant debt owed to a BTS member.
Lee revealed on social media his addiction to online slots, borrowing large sums of money from fellow entertainers and banks.
Another instance of illegal online gambling involved a 17-year-old accruing debt, prompting his parents to call for improved internet security to block such websites.
The NGCC estimates that South Koreans have lost over 100 trillion won (US$73 billion) on illegal gambling platforms over the past five years.