South Korea cracks down on pseudo-casino operations

Added: May 15, 2024

New regulations have been implemented by the South Korean government in an effort to combat “pseudo-casino operations.”

This is a reference to specific bars and entertainment venues where gambling-like activities have been taking place, such as clubs with a poker theme called “hold’em pubs.” These businesses have been using legal loopholes to function like casinos and give customers the chance to win cash or other prizes.

The National Police Agency, the National Gambling Control Commission, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism have all worked together to create particular standards in order to combat this problem. In light of recent modifications to the Tourism Promotion Act, these instructions assist in identifying and combating these operations.

Activities at non-casino establishments that cause some participants to profit financially at the expense of others are now categorically classified as illegal. Anyone found to be in charge of such an operation faces fines of approximately fifty-one thousand dollars or up to seven years inprison.

Generally speaking, gambling is illegal in South Korea, with the exception of small-scale wagers made for fun or at specific locations like Kangwon Land Casino. But some hold’em bars have started to imitate gambling in casinos by allowing customers to exchange points for money or other rewards. The new regulations define which games are regarded as being a component of casino operations in an effort to put an end to these practices by labeling them as prohibited gambling activities. This covers not only poker but additional games like slots, blackjack, and roulette.