(AsiaGameHub) – South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has directed the nation’s gambling regulator to establish a “safety net” in response to an increase in youth gambling.
Kim’s remarks came after the National Gambling Control Commission (NGCC), the country’s gambling regulator, appointed new board members, according to South Korean media outlet Newsis.
The NGCC, which reports directly to the Prime Minister, oversees gaming operators and implements measures to combat gambling addiction.
Kim urged the NGCC to develop new strategies to address the growing problem of gambling addiction among younger demographics.
“The issue of youth gambling has become serious recently,” he stated. “Please dedicate all your efforts to prevention and the creation of a comprehensive safety net. We must ensure the stable development of our youth, who represent the future of our society.”
South Korean Prime Minister: ‘A Gambling Quagmire’
The regulator comprises members from both public and private sectors, including government ministers, administrators, legal professionals, and representatives from the tourism industry.
“The NGCC’s committee acts as a safeguard, preventing our society from descending into a gambling quagmire,” Kim commented.
The Prime Minister’s statements followed research indicating a rise in youth gambling rates across South Korea.
A senior lawmaker recently highlighted that the financial repercussions of youth gambling-related issues in South Korea have escalated to $1.4 billion.
Despite Kim’s serious warnings, gambling presents a dual nature for the South Korean government, as several of the nation’s largest casino operators are state-owned.
Revenue generated from gambling-related tourism is also experiencing significant growth. On the subtropical island province of Jeju alone, casinos generated a total of $436 million in the previous financial year.
This figure represents a 41% increase compared to 2024.
Jeju Casino Industry’s Revenue Boost
Preliminary figures released earlier this month by the South Korean news agency Yonhap indicated that visitor numbers to Jeju casinos also increased by nearly 38%, reaching just under 100,000.
For the government, this translates into another substantial influx of funds through taxes and other levies.
All casinos located in Jeju are mandated to contribute to the government-operated Jeju Tourism Promotion Fund.
The amount of these contributions is determined by casino revenues. Consequently, the rise in visitor numbers and sales in FY2025 led Jeju casinos to contribute over $42 million to the fund, marking a 44% increase from FY2024.
Casino revenues continue their upward trend. In the first quarter of FY2026, gaming revenues at the High1 integrated casino-resort reached 360 billion won ($244 million), a 4.5% year-on-year increase.
High1 is managed by Kangwon Land, a company owned by the central government, with the South Korean national pension fund among its shareholders.
Following his concerns regarding youth gambling, Kim encouraged the regulator to continue “exploring avenues to stimulate local economies.”
He requested the body to assist in “enhancing public leisure experiences, attracting international tourists, and generating employment opportunities, all within a sound framework for the gambling industry.”
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