No, online casinos are illegal for South Korean citizens under domestic law. However, many players access licensed offshore platforms, which operate outside Korean jurisdiction. This guide breaks down the rules, risks, and benefits as of November 2026, based on the latest regulations from the National Gambling Control Commission (NGCC) and Criminal Act.
As of 2026, South Korea has maintained a tight regime for online gambling, with significant impacts on both operators and players interested in online casinos in South Korea.
It is considered illegal in South Korea for Korean citizens to gamble, except for limited exceptions such as lotteries, horse racing, boat racing, and casino gambling at Kangwon Land, the only casino open to locals.
The Telecommunications Business Act and the Criminal Code of South Korea constrain all forms of online casinos in South Korea, and hence, it is unlawful for a Korean establishment to offer or engage in the operation of online gambling activities.
South Korea has come down hard on illegal online gambling in recent years. The recorded cases of online casinos in South Korea established illegally had almost tripled from 2019 to 39,082 recorded nationally in 2023.
The crackdowns on online casinos in South Korea have put thousands of people under arrest, including underage individuals. For example, in one sweep, there was a finding made to prove that up to 4,700 under-aged individuals were involved in Internet gambling-an impressive 47.2% of the total cases.
Operator legal entities are the immediate targets of enforcement, yet individual gamblers will not be immune to consequent actions if they are caught viewing unauthorized online casinos in South Korea. The government presently scrutinizes the usage of a package bought from ISPs to detect and block foreign online casino sites in South Korea, with consequences for the individuals.
The industry legal avenues for gambling under the South Korean statute include:
- Lotto: A government-run lottery system.
- Horse Racing: Legal betting through licensed operators.
- Kangwon Land: The only legal casino for locals.
These outlets are clearly in accordance with the laws in South Korea.
South Korea’s commitment to regulating online gambling remains robust, with ongoing efforts to close legal loopholes and enforce existing laws. Players are advised to exercise caution and consider legal alternatives to avoid potential legal and financial risks.