South Korean Police Discover Widespread Underage Online Gambling

South Korea’s National Police Agency has released shocking figures from a year-long operation targeting illegal online gambling. 

Massive Cybercrime Sweep in South Korea Reveals Nearly Half of Arrests Are Under 19

From September 2023 to October 2024, police arrested almost 10,000 people, with a large number 4,715 of them being under 19 years old. The big crackdown, which at first aimed to catch gambling operators and big-time players, changed direction when authorities saw a worrying rise in youth taking part.

The operation was part of a bigger push by the National Investigation Headquarters to reduce cybercrime, reported the Maeil Business Newspaper. Reports show that law enforcement caught 297 operators and took about KRW126 billion ($90.4 million) in illegal profits. Youth involvement though, turned out to be one of the biggest issues making up almost half (47.2%) of those caught.

The age breakdown showed 17-year-olds as the largest group, with 1,763 participants (38%) then 16-year-olds with 1,241 individuals, and 15-year-olds with 560 cases. Even younger kids, including a 9-year-old, were found in the operation, which is scary.

Online casino gaming became the main type of gambling for these underage players making up 82.6% of reported incidents. The youth placed bets totaling KRW3.7 billion ($2.64 million) during this time, with each player wagering an average of KRW780,000 ($560). In one notable case, a 16-year-old boy bet up to KRW190 million ($136,000) on baccarat.

99% of Arrested Teens Were Casual Gamblers, but Some Involved in Deeper Crimes

The data also reveals the types of crimes committed. Almost all (99%) of the teens arrested were casual gamblers. However, a few were more involved in criminal activities. Among these, 16 helped run gambling sites, 13 worked on developing and managing them, and a small number provided gambling products and ads.

Kids gambled for different reasons. About 43% said they were just curious. Another 34% felt pressured by their friends to join in. Ads, both online and offline also had a big impact on getting kids to gamble.

Aware of the mental toll and possible long-term problems, officials have sent 1,733 of the minors about 37% of those caught, to professional counseling services. This step aims to help their recovery and stop them from reoffending.

The National Police Agency has decided to extend the crackdown for another year, given how big the problem is. They stress their dedication to fighting youth gambling. Officials pointed out the harmful effects these activities can have on teens as they grow up. They highlighted how crucial it is to prevent this and to have a full support system in place.