Table of Contents
South Korea is seeing a sharp rise in gambling-related crimes among teenagers, and the numbers are worrying. According to the National Police Agency, gambling arrests among minors have grown rapidly between 2021 and 2024, raising fresh concerns about whether prevention and education efforts are enough to tackle the problem.
Gambling Crimes Among Minors on the Rise
The data shows a clear trend: arrests of children aged 10–13 went up from only 3 cases in 2021 to 72 cases in 2024. That’s a 24-fold increase in just three years. Among 14-18 year-olds, arrests rose from 63 to 559 cases, nearly nine times higher than before.
These figures were revealed after a National Assembly request, and lawmakers are calling it an “explosive increase” in youth gambling crimes. Despite some growth in gambling harm education programs, the overall budget for prevention actually dropped by 10%, and staffing numbers also fell. This mismatch has left experts questioning how effectively South Korea can respond to the growing crisis.
Social Impact of Youth Gambling
The rise in gambling is not only a legal issue but also a serious social risk. Research by the National Youth Policy Institute in 2024 found that 1 in 10 teenagers who gambled online borrowed money from loan sharks to pay off debts. This shows how gambling can quickly push minors into dangerous financial situations.
In Gumi City, a survey revealed that 43.4% of young people had already gambled, with many placing their first online bet as early as age 12. These statistics underline how accessible online gambling has become for underage players.
Government and Industry Response
Local authorities and operators are now stepping up with new measures.
- City governments are pledging tougher crackdowns on illegal gambling networks.
- Paradise Co., a leading casino operator, signed a partnership with the Korea Gambling Problem Prevention and Treatment Center to expand awareness programs.
- Kangwon Land launched South Korea’s first residential gambling addiction treatment centre, with plans to expand after successful pilot tests.
Together, these actions show a shift from just enforcement to a three-part strategy: prevention, law enforcement, and treatment.
Challenges Ahead
Even though awareness programs have expanded, the fall in funding and staffing means South Korea is still underprepared to fully handle the surge in youth gambling. Lawmakers argue that prevention efforts must be re-examined and strengthened, especially in schools and online platforms. Blocking access to illegal gambling websites is also a key demand.
Global Lessons from South Korea
The situation in South Korea sends a clear message for the rest of the world: youth gambling can rise quickly in the digital age if strong safeguards are not in place. For Europe and other regions where online betting is growing, South Korea’s case shows the importance of balancing:
- Education for schools and families
- Enforcement against illegal platforms
- Treatment and support for those already affected
Collaboration between governments, regulators, and the gambling industry is essential to limit harm and protect vulnerable groups.
Also Read: VALORANT Patch 11.06: Bye Bots And Replay System Finally Arrives
