Crackdown Intensifies on Illegal Gambling as Korea Launches Multi-Pronged Initiative
Seoul, South Korea - A nationwide effort to combat the surge in illegal gambling activity is underway in South Korea, spearheaded by the Supreme Committee adn involving law enforcement, research institutions, and communications regulators.The initiative, announced this week, aims to disrupt illicit operations targeting vulnerable populations – including youth, soldiers, and the general public – and bolster protections against the growing threat of online gambling sites.
The escalating problem of illegal gambling poses a notable risk to public health and societal well-being, according to Supreme Committee Chairman Shim Oh-taek. “The growing illegal gambling not onyl threatens a healthy society,but also addicts to youth,soldiers,and the general public,” he stated. This coordinated response comes as authorities report a rapid increase in illegal gambling sites, prompting a focus on financial tracking and swift site blocking.
A key component of the strategy involves enhanced monitoring and analysis of financial accounts linked to illegal gambling operations, with investigative efforts already planned. A two-month special reporting period, beginning in September, encourages the reporting of illegal gambling sites used by young people, triggering rapid blocking measures by the Korea Communications Commission.
The initiative also includes collaborative knowledge-sharing events. The Korea gallup Research Institute will host a briefing session on the ‘6th Illegal Gambling Survey’ on October 18th, while an illegal gambling monitoring and crackdown workshop will be held at the National Folk Museum on October 19th, focusing on cases of illegal meandering industry monitoring and crackdowns. Experts will share investigative progress and explore system improvements.
Beyond enforcement, the programme incorporates support for problem gamblers. the ”problem gambler stay healing program” will take place September 19-21 in Gangwon Land, and the “problem gamblers’ recovery challenge” is scheduled for October 25 at the National sports Promotion Foundation.
The effort represents a significant escalation in the government’s response to illegal gambling, signaling a commitment to protecting citizens and dismantling the networks that facilitate these activities.
