South Korea Reports Disconcerting Increase in Adolescent Gambling Harm
Summary
South Korea has seen a sharp rise in gambling-related harm among adolescents. Official data show diagnosed gambling addiction cases climbed from 64 in 2022 to 210 in 2024. Police records indicate gambling-associated criminal cases involving youths rose from 76 to 631 over the same period, with arrests of children as young as 10–13. Medical costs tied to adolescent gambling increased from KRW 110 million to KRW 430 million, and counselling demand jumped from 1,460 to 4,144 cases. Illegal online gambling and betting are cited as key drivers.
Key Points
- Gambling addiction diagnoses among adolescents rose from 64 (2022) to 210 (2024).
- Gambling-related crimes involving young people surged from 76 to 631; some detainees are aged 10–13.
- Medical costs linked to adolescent gambling quadrupled to KRW 430 million; counselling cases nearly tripled.
- Illegal online gambling and betting have been identified as major contributors to the increase.
- Democratic Rep. Seo Young-seok criticises the Health Ministry for under-prioritising gambling harm and calls for expanded specialised treatment, more counselling staff and gambling-harm education in schools.
- Authorities recently dismantled a $31m illegal gambling ring operating from Cambodia, underlining the cross-border nature of the problem.
Content Summary
Data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service and the National Police Agency point to a worrying escalation in youth gambling harm across South Korea between 2022 and 2024. The spike covers clinical diagnoses, criminal activity by minors, treatment and counselling demand, and associated healthcare spending. Lawmakers, led by Rep. Seo, argue that current addiction services remain too focused on alcohol and must broaden to tackle gambling-specific needs. Proposed measures include expanding specialist facilities, increasing counselling staff and adding gambling-harm education in learning institutions. The report also notes recent law-enforcement action against a large illegal gambling operation linked to Cambodia.
Context and Relevance
This trend has significant public-health and social implications. Rapid growth in adolescent problem gambling strains health and counselling services, raises juvenile crime concerns, and highlights regulatory gaps—especially around illegal online operators. The issue ties into broader industry and tourism dynamics, as domestic casino activity has been influenced by foreign visitors. For policymakers, health services and the gambling industry, the findings suggest urgent need for targeted prevention, enforcement and treatment strategies similar to those being developed in other jurisdictions facing youth gambling increases.
Why should I read this?
Because kids are getting hurt and it’s getting expensive. The numbers jump fast — more youngsters being diagnosed, arrested and needing counselling — and policymakers say current services aren’t ready. If you work in health, education, regulation or the gambling sector (or just care about kids), the short read tells you where the pressure points are and what MPs want done next.
Author style
Punchy: this is more than a stats story — it flags a fast-growing public-health problem that needs policy and clinical attention now. Read the detail if you want the figures and the specific calls for action.