From November 2024 to October 2025, the South Korean police arrested 5,196 people in connection with illegal online gambling, where 314 people were detained and $123.5...
Jung calls for gambling and esports reforms in South Korea
Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) leader Jung Chung-rae used his visit to G-STAR 2025 in Busan to restate his party’s strong support for Korea’s fast-growing gambling and esports industry.
Jung reflected on his long involvement in the industry, noting that he helped sponsor Korea’s first Game Industry Promotion Act 20 years ago, when many people viewed games mainly as a source of addiction.
“Back then, people insisted games were just an ‘addiction. But I kept arguing this was Korea’s future cash-cow industry — and we ultimately succeeded in passing the law.”
Said Jung Chung-rae.
Jung called gaming “one of Korea’s key future growth engines,” stressing that the sector is now central to the country’s economy and global influence. Moreover, back in 2024, South Korea reported a shocking rise in underage gambling.
Jung also talked about esports initiatives, including creating an esports caucus in the National Assembly, hosting a StarCraft tournament inside the Assembly Library, and supporting the creation of the pro team MBCGame HERO. He recalled proposing an esports program for the military’s athletic corps and urging the national sports committee to adopt esports officially, though those plans stalled.
Looking ahead, Jung highlighted a major upcoming revision to the Game Industry Promotion Act, which the DPK expects to pass soon.
FAQs
Is gambling legal in South Korea?
Gambling in South Korea is legal but strictly regulated.
What is the legal gambling age in South Korea?
The legal gambling age in South Korea is 19.
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