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South Korea is facing a growing crisis as illegal gambling spreads across the country, particularly among young people. Regulators estimating its value at 96 trillion won($65 billion), with figures showing that 4% of young people have already taken part in illegal gambling.
Police data also highlights the speed of this rise. Iin 2024, there were 478 criminal cases and preliminary dispositions linked to youth gambling, but by last year that number had jumped to 777, a 62% increase according to SpoTV News.
Lawmakers and regulators now warn that the problem is no longer isolated but a growing social crisis. Rep. Jeon Jeon‑gi stressed, “I agree that the problem of illegal gambling among young people is quite large and serious. It seems that we have entered a point where our entire society should recognize it as a problem.”
Lawmakers warn of 2 trillion won costs
The sharp increase in youth gambling cases has raised concerns about the wider impact on society. Officials explained that gambling among teenagers does not stop at placing bets but often leads to secondary crimes.
Lee Jin‑sik of the Supervisory Committee warned that the social cost of youth gambling could reach 2 trillion won. Ha Dong-jin, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Women and Youth Division, pointed out, “`Illegal youth gambling is becoming a social problem in that it does not end with gambling, but leads to secondary crimes to participate in illegal gambling.”
Speakers at the National Assembly debate agreed that tackling illegal gambling among youth must involve more than enforcement. They argued that ministries across education, welfare, and family affairs should join forces with regulators and the sports sector to create a united response.
While the debate focused on the scale of gambling, some participants suggested that revitalizing school sports could help reduce the appeal of illegal betting. Professor Kim Dong‑hwan said, “I think the fastest way is to fully utilize and strengthen the existing school system to prevent illegal gambling among young people.” Others pointed to international examples, such as the US, where school sports provide incentives that keep students engaged.
Byung-hwan to lead South Korea’s reformed gambling market
The debate comes as South Korea’s gambling regulator enters a new South Korea’s gambling regulator with Choi Byung‑hwan taking office as chairman of the National Gambling Control Commission earlier this week(Apr 28). His appointment, confirmed by the Prime Minister a week earlier, marks the start of the commission’s seventh term and introduces its tenth chairman.
Choi used his inaugural speech at the Government Complex in Gwacheon to set out clear priorities, promising stronger consumer protection and a healthier gambling sector. He explained that the commission will actively build a system that shields citizens from the harmful side effects of gambling while also supporting sustainable industry growth.
But the wider picture shows how difficult this task will be. The illegal gambling market has ballooned to 96 trillion won, with police reporting a sharp rise in youth involvement. Choi’s leadership begins with the challenge of reforming the legal market while tackling the spread of illegal platforms in the industry.
