Tourism experts in South Korea are advocating for the establishment of a gambling regulator to oversee the potential introduction of integrated resorts (IRs) for casino gambling, mirroring Japan’s approach. The call for a regulator was made during a panel discussion at a meeting of the Global Business Club, organized by the Korea Times, under the theme “Korean-Style Integrated Resorts and Future Strategic Directions.”
The panel members emphasized the need for a regulator to address public concerns about the negative impact of casino gambling, including the potential rise in addiction rates. They also highlighted the importance of investing resources in raising awareness about the risks of gambling, particularly among young people. The experts suggested a cautious approach to implementing IRs, emphasizing the importance of establishing a robust regulatory framework before moving forward. Currently, commercial casinos are operational in South Korea but are restricted to non-residents.
The panel discussion underscored the importance of responsible gambling practices and the need for proactive measures to mitigate potential harms associated with the expansion of the casino industry in South Korea. The experts emphasized the importance of ensuring that regulatory measures are in place to protect vulnerable populations and prevent problem gambling.
Overall, the experts in the tourism sector in South Korea are calling for the establishment of a gambling regulator to oversee the potential introduction of integrated resorts for casino gambling, with a focus on responsible gambling practices and public awareness campaigns to address potential risks associated with gambling. They are advocating for a cautious and deliberate approach to the expansion of the casino industry in South Korea to ensure that proper safeguards are in place to protect vulnerable populations and promote responsible gambling practices.