The gambling situation in South Korea is peculiar. The country has multiple land-based casinos open to tourists only, except one casino accepting Koreans. Because of that, a large number of South Korean residents turn to online gambling in international casinos. Below is the list of online casinos that accept players from South Korea.
Online Gambling Laws and Regulations in South Korea
Gambling laws in South Korea have always been very strict, restricting players from participating in gambling activities within the country. Additionally, under the Habitual Overseas Gambler law, the residents of the country have been forbidden to gamble in casinos outside the country as well. Doing so could result in financial penalties. Unlike other countries, Korean laws apply to Korean citizens no matter where they are.
Despite the strict approach, South Korea has relaxed gambling laws in recent years. SportsToto, a government-backed betting service, was established in the 1990s, while a high-stakes poker tournament was held in 2012 in Seoul, organised by online poker site Poker Stars, attracting over 250 players from different countries.
Because online casinos in South Korea don’t exist (that are licensed and regulated by The National Gambling Control Commission), people are turning to offshore online casinos. The casinos on this page keep their doors open to South Korean players.
Are Land-Based Casinos Allowed in South Korea?
Gambling in South Korea is regulated by the Tourism Promotion Act. Currently, South Korea is home to 17 land-based casinos with slot machines, roulette, blackjack, poker tables, and other casino games.
While the country promotes gambling activities to tourists, entering these casinos is prohibited for South Koreans, all except one. Kangwon Land Casino & Hotel is the only South Korean casino where Koreans can gamble legally.
Is It Safe to Gamble at an Online Casino in South Korea?
Individuals are able to sign up at gambling websites that accept Korean players but fall outside the South Korean jurisdiction. However, this is easier said than done due to Internet censorship and the effort it takes to set up an account, which makes a lot of people give up in the process.
Still, if you’re looking to open an account in an international online casino from South Korea, research the casino first, check the licence and read the reviews. Casinos that are certified tend to offer better security to players.
The Best Online Casinos for South Korean Players
With the help of CasinoRank, we can estimate online casinos and assign them an unbiased score. Finding the best casino can be difficult, but you can also read individual casino reviews to learn more about each website.
What to Consider Before You Pick the Online Casino in South Korea
The online casino you register at must have a valid international licence. From the moment you land on the casino page, it will become evident whether you can register from South Korea or not. Below are some of the considerations when you’re choosing an online casino from South Korea.
Casino Bonus Offers in South Korea
Players are always looking for casino bonuses. New casinos that show up and want to attract a share of players from South Korea often provide appealing bonus offers. As a player, you must ensure the casino is valid, and you can enter it safely, so make sure you check its licence and read the Terms and Conditions before you register.
Casino Game Software in South Korea
A large number of international online casinos partner up with different software providers to offer a variety of games. The more games a casino has, the better your choice is. Often, gambling websites organise tournaments and other competitions, adding an extra layer of fun for players. The RTP can tell you more about how often the casino pays out its players, which can help you find casinos with the best payout.
Payment Methods Available in South Korea
Most popular payment methods used by South Korean players include e-wallets and cryptocurrencies. When gambling at offshore online casinos the residents of South Korea prefer the speed and convenience of these payment methods.
Top Online Casino Games for South Korean Players
South Korean players that register at online gambling websites enjoy different kinds of casino games. Some of the most popular choices include:
- Online slots
- Blackjack
- Poker
- Roulette
- Plinko
Future Online Gambling Trends in South Korea
South Korea doesn’t allow online casinos to offer gambling services to its residents, and most people who want to gamble register at international online casinos that aren’t subject to South Korean laws.
Despite a few steps forward (organising a poker tournament and allowing sports betting), online gambling laws will remain restrictive, with players having to look for online casinos elsewhere, as they’ve done in the past. Players must be careful and do their research well to avoid registering at shady casinos, which puts their information at risk.
