SOUTH KOREA
South Korea is one of the most heavily regulated and closed Tier 1 gambling markets in Asia. The country adheres to a strict control model, in which casinos for local residents are practically prohibited, and the main legal formats remain state rates, lotteries and special casinos exclusively for foreigners.
Despite the restrictions, South Korea remains an extremely solvent and technologically advanced market with high interest in online gambling, slot machines and sports betting through foreign platforms.
Online casinos in South Korea
Commercial online casinos are officially banned domestically. The state allows only limited formats of digital gambling through government entities.
Banning private online casinos for residents.
Active use of foreign licensed platforms.
Increased control over Internet traffic.
Strict age verification requirements.
Enhanced measures against gambling addiction.
Online casinos for Korean players are mainly represented by international operators.
Land-based casinos and gaming halls
Land gambling in South Korea has a unique structure. Most casinos in the country are exclusively for foreigners.
More than 15 casinos for foreigners.
Only one casino is allowed for locals.
Strict bandwidth.
State control of operators.
Age limit 18 + or 19 +.
Casinos are focused primarily on tourists and international traffic.
Sports betting and betting
Sports betting in South Korea is allowed only within the framework of state sweepstakes.
Most popular destinations:- Football.
- Baseball.
- Basketball.
- Esports.
- Horse racing.
Classic European betting is banned domestically.
Regulation and licences
Gambling regulation in South Korea is carried out at the level of the state and relevant ministries.
Full government control of the market.
Banning private operators.
Hard KYC and AML procedures.
Blocking illegal sites.
Enhanced measures to protect players.
The work of unlicensed operators is strictly suppressed.
Payment methods
Korean players use modern banking and mobile payment solutions.
Bank cards.
Bank transfers.
Mobile payments.
E-wallets.
Limited use of cryptocurrencies.
Financial transactions in gambling are under increased banking control.
Popular games and formats
Korean audience gaming preferences are centered around:- Slots and slot machines.
- State sports betting.
- Esports events.
- Lotteries.
- Online slots on foreign platforms.
Classic table casino games are less common among local players.
Mobile gambling
South Korea is one of the world leaders in the development of mobile technologies and Internet speed.
Maximum share of mobile users.
Fast 5G mobile networks.
Instant mobile payments.
Highest data protection requirements.
Smartphone dominance online.
The mobile format is the main channel for accessing online gambling.
Advertising and responsible play
Gambling advertising in South Korea is strictly limited and in most cases prohibited.
Prohibition of commercial casino advertising.
Harsh social warnings.
Government programs to combat ludomania.
Strict self-exclusion mechanisms.
Full control of advertising channels.
Responsible play is a mandatory standard for the entire Korean regulatory model.
Why South Korea is a Tier 1 market
The South Korean market is characterized by:- high solvency of the population;
- a unique casino model "for foreigners";
- powerful digital infrastructure;
- the colossal popularity of esports;
- tight government controls on gambling.
South Korea is one of the most closed and technologically advanced Tier 1 gambling markets in the world. It is dominated by government betting, casinos for foreigners and strict online gambling controls. For operators, this is a complex entry market with high potential for tourism and online, for players - the maximum level of regulation, security and digital standards.
