South Korean PM Calls for Youth Gambling ‘Safety Net’ Amid Rising Rates

South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has instructed the nation's gambling regulator, the National Gambling Control Commission (NGCC), to develop a robust "safety net" to combat the increasing rates of youth gambling. The directive came after new board members were sworn into the NGCC, as reported by South Korean media outlet Newsis. The Prime Minister emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the problem of youth gambling has become "serious of late."

Prime Minister Kim stressed the importance of prevention and the establishment of a comprehensive support system to safeguard the stable growth of young people, whom he referred to as "the future of our society." The NGCC, which reports directly to the Prime Minister, is responsible for both supervising gaming operators and implementing measures to address gambling addiction.

Addressing a Growing Concern

The Prime Minister's remarks follow recent studies indicating a significant rise in youth gambling addiction across South Korea. A senior lawmaker recently highlighted the financial burden associated with youth gambling problems in the country, estimating it to be around $1.4 billion. These figures underscore the escalating challenge faced by authorities in managing the societal impact of gambling.

The NGCC draws its members from a diverse range of sectors, including government, administration, law, and tourism. Prime Minister Kim characterized the committee as a "guardian that prevents our society from falling into the quagmire of gambling," emphasizing its critical role in protecting the public.

Key facts

The Double-Edged Sword of Gambling Revenue

Despite the Prime Minister's serious warnings regarding youth gambling, the issue presents a complex dilemma for the South Korean government. Several of the country's largest casino operators are government-owned, contributing significantly to state revenues. The tourism sector, heavily bolstered by gambling, has also seen substantial growth.

For instance, casinos on the subtropical island province of Jeju generated $436 million in the past financial year, representing a 41% increase from 2024. Visitor numbers to Jeju casinos also surged by nearly 38% to just under 100,000, according to preliminary figures reported by Yonhap news agency. This influx of tourism and revenue translates into substantial tax contributions and other charges for the government. Jeju-based casinos, for example, contributed over $42 million to the government-operated Jeju Tourism Promotion Fund in FY2025, a 44% increase from the previous year.

Continued Casino Growth and Economic Development

The growth in gambling revenue extends beyond Jeju. In the first quarter of FY2026, gaming revenues at the High1 integrated casino-resort reached 360 billion won ($244 million), marking a 4.5% year-on-year increase. High1 is operated by Kangwon Land, a central government-run company, with the South Korean national pension fund among its shareholders.

Following his concerns about youth gambling, Prime Minister Kim also urged the NGCC to continue "exploring ways to revitalize local economies." He asked the body to help "enhance the public’s leisure lives, attract foreign tourists, and create jobs, based on a sound environment for the gambling industry." This highlights the government's balancing act between addressing social concerns related to gambling and leveraging its economic benefits.

For video poker players and casino enthusiasts, developments in South Korea illustrate the ongoing global tension between the economic benefits of a regulated gambling industry and the imperative to protect vulnerable populations, particularly youth, from potential harm. Understanding these regulatory landscapes can provide context for responsible gaming practices and the evolving nature of the industry worldwide.

Fuente: CasinoBeats, https://casinobeats.com/2026/05/12/south-korean-prime-minister-tells-gaming-regulator-to-create-youth-gambling-safety-net/