The National Police Agency of South Korea has recently cracked down on illegal online gambling activities, catching a total of 4,715 individuals under the age of 19. This strategic crackdown on the online gambling vertical took place between September 2023 and October 2024, resulting in the apprehension of thousands of young offenders who were found to be violating the country’s gambling laws.
According to reports from a South Korean business daily, the total amount wagered by these young individuals reached ₩3.7bn ($2.64m), with an average bet amount of ₩780,000 ($559) per person during the duration of the crackdown. Shockingly, a 16-year-old boy was found to have played baccarat online with as much as ₩190m ($136,160), highlighting the severity of the issue.
The majority of those caught breaking the gambling laws were 17-year-olds, accounting for 38% of the total number of offenders. Following closely were 16-year-olds at 26%, 18-year-olds at 19%, and even 14-year-olds at 4%. The most popular form of illegal gambling among these young perpetrators was online casinos, making up 82% of the cases, while sports betting accounted for 11% of the offenses.
In response to this alarming trend, the police have taken steps to address the issue by referring 1,733 of the arrested individuals to professional counseling agencies. This approach aims to provide support and guidance to the young offenders, helping them understand the consequences of their actions and prevent future illegal behavior.
This crackdown serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of underage gambling and the importance of enforcing strict regulations to protect vulnerable individuals from falling into harmful habits. By addressing the root causes of illegal gambling and providing support to those in need, authorities can work towards creating a safer and more responsible gambling environment for all.