Gambling Addiction Statistics in South Korea: Prevalence Rates, Demographics, and Trends
Understanding the scope of problem gambling in South Korea requires examining comprehensive data from government agencies, research institutions, and international organizations. This statistical reference compiles the most current and authoritative data on gambling addiction prevalence, demographic patterns, treatment utilization, and economic impact in South Korea. Data sources include the National Gambling Control Commission (NGCC), the Korea Problem Gambling Agency (KPGA), and international bodies such as the World Health Organization.
National Problem Gambling Rate (2023)
Approximately 2.2 million individuals affected
National Prevalence Data
The NGCC conducts regular surveys to assess gambling behavior across the Korean adult population. These surveys use internationally validated screening instruments including the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) and the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI). For a personal assessment using similar methodology, see our Problem Gambling Self-Assessment tool.
Prevalence by Gambling Category
Not all gambling forms carry equal addiction risk. The following table shows problem gambling rates by gambling type, demonstrating why Korean gambling regulations focus on high-risk activities.
| Gambling Type | Participation Rate | Problem Rate Among Participants | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lottery (Lotto, instant) | 31.2% | 2.1% | Stable |
| Sports Toto (legal betting) | 8.7% | 7.3% | +12% |
| Horse/Boat Racing | 4.2% | 11.8% | -5% |
| Kangwon Land Casino | 1.8% | 18.4% | Stable |
| Illegal Online Gambling | 3.9% | 24.7% | +47% |
| Underground Gambling | 2.1% | 31.2% | +8% |
Source: NGCC Gambling Behavior Survey 2023; illegal gambling estimates based on enforcement data
Methodology Note
Prevalence rates for illegal gambling are likely underreported due to respondent reluctance to disclose illegal activity. Actual participation in illegal online gambling and underground gambling is estimated to be 2-3 times higher than survey data indicates.
Demographic Breakdown
Problem gambling affects different population groups at varying rates. Understanding these patterns helps target prevention and treatment resources effectively.
Gender Differences
| Category | Male | Female | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Problem gambling rate | 7.2% | 2.9% | 2.5x gender gap |
| At-risk gambling rate | 8.1% | 4.6% | Gap narrowing over time |
| Treatment seeking rate | 2.8% | 1.4% | Women face greater barriers |
| Average age of onset | 22.4 years | 34.7 years | Women start later |
| Years to problem level | 6.2 years | 3.1 years | "Telescoping effect" |
For more detailed analysis of gender-specific patterns, see our comprehensive guide to women and gambling in South Korea.
Age Group Analysis
| Age Group | Problem Rate | Primary Gambling Types | Trend 2020-2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 years | 4.8% | Online gambling, esports betting | +89% |
| 25-34 years | 6.7% | Online gambling, sports betting | +34% |
| 35-44 years | 5.9% | Casino, online gambling | +12% |
| 45-54 years | 5.2% | Casino, horse racing, lottery | Stable |
| 55-64 years | 4.4% | Casino, lottery, hwatu | -8% |
| 65+ years | 3.8% | Kangwon Land, lottery, hwatu | +15% |
The sharp increase in young adult gambling is detailed in our articles on youth gambling and elderly gambling patterns.
Youth Gambling Statistics
The youth gambling crisis represents one of Korea's most concerning public health trends. Data from the Journal of Gambling Studies documents the rapid acceleration of adolescent gambling problems.
Youth Gambling Type Shift
A significant pattern in youth gambling has been the shift from sports betting to online casino gambling, making detection and intervention more difficult.
| Primary Gambling Type | 2020 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sports Betting | 48% | 27% | -21pts |
| Online Casino | 31% | 59% | +28pts |
| Esports/Skin Betting | 14% | 9% | -5pts |
| Other | 7% | 5% | -2pts |
Treatment and Recovery Statistics
Despite high problem gambling rates, treatment utilization remains low. The KPGA operates 15 regional treatment centers providing free services, yet barriers to treatment persist.
Treatment Outcomes
| Metric | 2020 | 2023 | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment completion rate | 49.2% | 24.9% | Declining |
| 6-month abstinence rate | 38.7% | 31.2% | Declining |
| 1-year relapse rate | 54.3% | 61.8% | Increasing |
| Average treatment duration | 4.2 months | 3.1 months | Shortening |
Source: KPGA Annual Treatment Report 2023
Treatment Challenge
Declining treatment success rates correlate with the shift to online gambling, which presents unique challenges including 24/7 accessibility, cryptocurrency payments, and difficulty implementing self-exclusion. For information on accessing help, see our gambling helplines guide.
Economic Impact Statistics
The economic dimensions of gambling in Korea include both legal industry revenue and the substantial costs of problem gambling. For comprehensive analysis, see our guide to gambling and the Korean economy.
Legal Gambling Market
| Sector | Annual Revenue (KRW) | Annual Revenue (USD) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kangwon Land Casino | ₩1.5-1.8 trillion | $1.1-1.4 billion | 3,500+ |
| Foreigner-Only Casinos | ₩400-600 billion | $300-460 million | 8,000+ |
| Lottery & Sports Toto | ₩5-6 trillion | $3.8-4.6 billion | 5,000+ |
| Horse & Boat Racing | ₩8-10 trillion | $6.1-7.6 billion | 15,000+ |
| Total Legal Market | ₩22-25 trillion | $17-19 billion | 30,000-35,000 |
Illegal Gambling Market
Estimates of the illegal gambling market vary widely, but all sources indicate it substantially exceeds the legal market.
Social Costs of Problem Gambling
Research published in the Journal of Gambling Studies estimates the social costs of problem gambling in Korea.
| Cost Category | Low Estimate | High Estimate | Components |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Financial Losses | ₩1.2 trillion | ₩3.5 trillion | Gambling losses, debt |
| Productivity Loss | ₩400 billion | ₩1.5 trillion | Absenteeism, job loss |
| Healthcare Costs | ₩200 billion | ₩800 billion | Treatment, mental health |
| Criminal Justice | ₩150 billion | ₩600 billion | Enforcement, prosecution |
| Family/Social Impact | ₩300 billion | ₩1.2 trillion | Divorce, welfare, suicide |
| Total Estimated Social Cost | ₩2.2 trillion | ₩7.6 trillion |
Source: NGCC Social Cost Study 2022; converted at 1,310 KRW/USD
International Comparison
South Korea's problem gambling rates exceed most developed nations. The following comparison uses standardized prevalence measures from the OECD and Statista global gambling data.
Problem Gambling Rates by Country
| Country | Problem Rate | At-Risk Rate | Legal Framework |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | 5.1% | 6.4% | Restrictive (mostly illegal) |
| Singapore | 4.1% | 5.2% | Regulated (citizen levy) |
| Japan | 3.6% | 4.8% | Mixed (pachinko quasi-legal) |
| Australia | 0.4-0.6% | 2.6% | Liberal (regulated) |
| United States | 1.0-2.0% | 3.0% | State-by-state variation |
| United Kingdom | 0.4% | 1.8% | Liberal (strong regulation) |
| Norway | 0.6% | 1.9% | State monopoly |
Comparison Limitations
International comparisons face methodological challenges including different screening instruments, cultural response biases, and varying definitions of problem gambling. Asian countries generally report higher rates, which may reflect cultural factors, measurement issues, or genuine differences in gambling impact.
Trend Analysis: Pre-Pandemic vs. Post-Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered gambling patterns in Korea, accelerating the shift to online gambling and exacerbating youth gambling problems.
| Metric | Pre-COVID (2019) | Post-COVID (2023) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall problem gambling rate | 5.3% | 5.1% | Stable |
| Online gambling participation | 2.4% | 3.9% | +63% |
| Youth treatment cases | 1,412 | 4,144 | +193% |
| Kangwon Land visitors | 3.1 million | 2.4 million | -23% |
| Online gambling prosecutions | 8,247 | 14,892 | +81% |
| Cryptocurrency gambling cases | 312 | 2,847 | +812% |
Special Population Statistics
Military Personnel
The approximately 500,000 active-duty soldiers in Korea's mandatory military service system face unique gambling risks. See our detailed analysis in military gambling.
- Estimated problem gambling rate: 6.8% (higher than civilian rate)
- Smartphone policy change (2019) correlated with increased online gambling
- Limited access to treatment during service
- Dual legal exposure (civilian and military gambling laws)
Elderly Population
Korea's rapidly aging population includes a growing elderly gambling population. The elderly gambling phenomenon is particularly visible at Kangwon Land.
- Fastest-growing problem gambling demographic (+15% since 2020)
- Primary venues: Kangwon Land casino, lottery, traditional hwatu games
- Often linked to retirement transition and social isolation
- Lower treatment-seeking rates than younger demographics
Data Sources and Methodology
This statistical reference draws from multiple authoritative sources:
- National Gambling Control Commission (NGCC): Annual gambling behavior surveys using PGSI methodology, covering 5,000+ adult respondents
- Korea Problem Gambling Agency (KPGA): Treatment statistics, helpline data, and regional center reports
- Korean National Police Agency: Enforcement statistics and prosecution data
- Statistics Korea: Demographic data and population figures
- Academic Sources: Published research in Journal of Gambling Studies and related journals
- International Organizations: WHO, OECD, and regional gambling research bodies
Data Limitations
All gambling statistics face inherent limitations including self-report bias, social desirability effects, and underreporting of illegal activity. Estimates for illegal gambling markets are particularly uncertain. This resource presents consensus estimates and notes where significant uncertainty exists.
Using These Statistics
This statistical reference serves multiple purposes:
- Researchers: Baseline data for academic studies on Korean gambling
- Policymakers: Evidence base for regulatory decisions
- Journalists: Verified statistics for media reporting
- Educators: Teaching materials on gambling epidemiology
- Treatment Providers: Understanding of population-level patterns
- Individuals: Context for personal gambling behavior assessment
For personal gambling assessment, our Problem Gambling Self-Assessment and Gambling Risk Score Calculator provide validated screening based on similar methodologies used in national surveys.
Additional Resources
For more information on specific topics covered in this statistical overview:
- Gambling Treatment Centers - Accessing help through the KPGA network
- Responsible Gambling Resources - Prevention and harm reduction
- Gambling and the Korean Economy - Detailed economic analysis
- Youth Gambling Crisis - In-depth analysis of adolescent gambling
- Online Gambling in Korea - Digital gambling patterns and risks
- COVID-19 and Gambling - Pandemic impact analysis
- Gambling and Mental Health - Comorbidity patterns
A Note on Statistics and Human Impact
Behind every statistic in this reference is a human story. The 5.1% problem gambling rate represents 2.2 million individuals and their families struggling with addiction. The 4,144 teens treated in 2024 each have parents, friends, and futures at stake. If you or someone you know is affected by gambling, help is available 24/7 at the national helpline: 1336. Statistics measure the problem; action addresses it.