South Korean regulators have issued a stark warning regarding the illegal gambling sector, clarifying that strict measures will target both the operators of illicit sportsbooks and the individuals who visit them.
Under the provisions of the National Sports Promotion Act, those found guilty of operating illegal platforms face prison sentences of up to seven years and fines reaching 70 million won (approximately $48,000).
Authorities emphasized that bettors are not exempt from prosecution. Courts have the power to hand down sentences of up to five years in prison, alongside fines of 50 million won ($34,000), for individuals caught placing wagers on unlicensed sites.
Whistleblower Incentives Increased
To aid enforcement efforts, the government has expanded its reward system for public reporting. In July, officials announced that whistleblowers could receive up to 200 million won ($135,708) for exposing operators. The system is reviewed biannually by a dedicated committee. Highlighting the effectiveness of this program, one informant was recently awarded 116 million won ($78,710) for a single tip earlier this month.
The scope of these rewards has also widened. Reports identifying patrons or promoters can yield up to 15 million won ($10,178), while information leading to the exposure of match-fixing schemes incentivizes tipsters with rewards up to 50 million won ($34,000).
Evolving Tactics of Illegal Operators
South Korean regulators admit that the battle is becoming increasingly complex due to technology, despite the warning. A center spokesperson told CasinoBeats that illegal sports gambling operators are continuing to use covert methods, such as anonymous registration, to promote their sportsbooks.
“They send invitations via the Telegram chat app,” the spokesperson explained. “And they let bettors use stablecoins like USDT to place bets. We call upon the public to help us eradicate illegal sports gambling, which is becoming increasingly difficult to wipe out.”
