Kangwon Land Scrutinized as Casino Entry Bans Skyrocket by 86 Percent

Kangwon Land, the only casino in South Korea where local residents are legally permitted to gamble, has come under intense scrutiny regarding its player protection measures. Recent documentation reveals a significant flaw in the operator's procedures: previously barred customers are not required to undergo gambling addiction treatment, counseling, or education before their entry restrictions are lifted. This lack of oversight has sparked concerns among lawmakers, especially as the gap between gambling addiction cases and professional intervention widens.

Representative Jin Sun-mee of the ruling Democratic Party brought the issue to light after reviewing data from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. The data suggests that while the casino has internal addiction resources, they are not a mandatory part of the process for lifting bans. This procedural gap means individuals who were previously identified as high-risk can return to the gaming floor without any formal assessment of their current mental state or gambling habits.

Numbers and facts

The statistics provided for the past three years show a concerning trend. While casino visits increased by 19 percent, the number of individuals subject to entry bans grew by a staggering 86 percent, reaching a total of 5,612 by 2025. During the same period, only 680 people sought treatment for gambling addiction. This discrepancy indicates that while the casino is identifying more problem gamblers, the path to actual recovery and safe re-entry remains unpaved.

Staffing at the Kangwon Land Addiction Care Center (KLACC) has increased to meet rising demand, with professional counselors growing from 9 to 13. However, the workload per counselor has also increased significantly, rising from 34 to 52 participants per professional. This suggests that the growth in demand for services is outpacing the recruitment of qualified staff, potentially diluting the quality of care provided to those at risk.

Background

Kangwon Land occupies a unique position in the South Korean market. It is the only facility where locals can gamble, as all other casinos in the country are strictly for foreigners. The corporation is majority-owned by the public sector, with 51 percent of shares held by the Mine Reclamation Corporation, Gangwondo Development Corp, and four regional autonomous governments. The Mine Reclamation Corporation operates under the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, making the casino's social responsibility a matter of public interest.

Jin Sun-mee has urged both the ministry and the operator to implement rigorous counseling and risk assessment procedures before any restriction is removed.

"Procedures should be implemented in regard to counseling, education, and risk assessment prior to the removal of any restriction." - Jin Sun-mee, Representative of the Democratic Party of South Korea

Furthermore, she recommended a follow-up program to support players even after they are allowed back into the casino, ensuring that the management of gambling risks is a continuous effort rather than a one-time punishment.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, the situation at Kangwon Land serves as a reminder of why the State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021) is so vital. In Germany, the OASIS central blocking system ensures that player bans are not just temporary hurdles. A player must actively apply for the removal of a ban, and the process involves checks that are far more stringent than what is currently reported in South Korea. German regulations, enforced by the GGL, mandate stake limits of 1 euro per spin and a 1,000 euro monthly deposit limit across all licensed platforms. These measures are designed to prevent the very surge in addiction cases seen in Kangwon Land by providing a safer, regulated environment from the start.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Operators licensed by the GGL should view the Kangwon Land case as a cautionary tale about the importance of effective re-entry management. Simply having an addiction center or a help hotline is not enough if these resources are not integrated into the player's journey. GGL-licensed casinos are required to use early detection systems to identify problematic behavior before a ban becomes necessary. The South Korean experience shows that if the number of bans rises much faster than the player base, the regulatory framework will inevitably face political pressure. Maintaining high standards in player protection is not just a legal requirement in Germany; it is essential for the long-term sustainability of the legal market.