South Korean police launch new enforcement campaign against unlicensed gambling

Police will intensify enforcement from May to August.

South Korea.- The National Police Agency has announced a new enforcement campaign targeting venues that offer gambling without a licence, including so-called Texas Hold’em pubs. The action will run from May 1 to August 31, focusing on venues where gaming chips are exchanged for cash or cryptocurrencies, as well as commission-based systems in which operators profit from directing players to underground gambling.

According to police data, 6,285 people were detained between 2023 and 2025 for operating illegal gambling venues or participating in illicit betting. Over the same period, authorities seized around KRW24bn (US$16.3m) in suspected gambling funds.

Police say the latest crackdown responds to increasingly sophisticated methods used by operators. Many venues reportedly use encrypted platforms such as Telegram, membership-only access, reservation systems and surveillance cameras. Police intend to target the entire structure behind operations, including owners, dealers, brokers and players. Officers said they will pursue asset seizures and, in the case of main operators, custodial measures. In organised setups, additional criminal charges may apply.

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Police will intensify enforcement from May to August. South Korea.- The National Police Agency has announced a new enforcement campaign targeting venues that offer gambling without a licence, including so-called Texas Hold’em pubs. The action will run from May 1 to August 31, focusing on venues where gaming chips are exchanged for cash or cryptocurrencies,…