South Korea's National Police Agency said on Sunday, November 10, 2024, that it identified 4,715 people under the age of 19 during a special crackdown on illegal online gambling that ran from September 2023 to October this year1. No minors were arrested, the agency said1.
The underage figure accounts for 47.2 percent of all age groups involved in the crackdown1. Police had initially focused on illegal gambling operators and habitual or high-stakes gamblers, but expanded the campaign's scope last year because of growing juvenile gambling1. The number of underage gamblers identified rose 2,784 percent from 162 cases reported the previous year1.
By age, 17-year-olds made up the largest group at 1,763 people, followed by 16-year-olds at 1,241 and 15-year-olds at 5601. Online casino games were the most popular form of gambling among these teenagers, accounting for 82.6 percent of overall cases1. The total amount wagered reached 3.7 billion won ($2.64 million), with an average bet of 780,000 won per person1. Of the 4,715 underage violators, 1,733 were referred to professional counseling services1.
| Age group | Minors identified |
|---|---|
| 17-year-olds | 1,763 |
| 16-year-olds | 1,241 |
| 15-year-olds | 560 |
| All under-19s | 4,715 |
The agency said the campaign will continue because illegal gambling among young people shows no signs of declining1.
"The figure accounts for 47.2 percent of all age groups involved in the crackdown."
What it means for players
The figures cover people under 19 in South Korea, so they do not describe enforcement against adult players. The agency reported no arrests of minors, and 1,733 of those identified were sent to counseling rather than prosecuted1. For adults in South Korea, the crackdown's stated initial targets were illegal operators and habitual or high-stakes gamblers, and the agency said the campaign's scope was widened last year1. The reported average bet of 780,000 won per person and the concentration in online casino games indicate the activity involved real money rather than free play1. The rules that apply to online gambling in Asia differ by jurisdiction, and the position of players who use offshore gambling sites is set out separately. Parents and others concerned about underage play can find background in young people and gambling, and support options are listed under safer gambling.
What happens next
The National Police Agency said the special crackdown will be extended for another year1. No further dates, targets or measures for the extended period have been reported1.
