Online poker is effectively prohibited in South Korea under the country's strict gambling regulations. South Korean gaming laws do not differentiate between online gambling and land-based gambling, treating both forms equally under the law (1). The Korean Criminal Code defines gambling as achieving monetary gain or loss through wagering property on games based on chance, and prohibits all forms of gambling with limited exceptions (1).
According to Article 246 of the Korean Criminal Code, unlawful gambling may be punished by a fine not exceeding 10 million Korean won, while habitual unlawful gambling carries imprisonment for up to three years or fines up to 20 million won (1). South Koreans face legal consequences for gambling activities both domestically and overseas, with enforcement extending beyond national borders.
"Gambling is forbidden in South Korea by Article 246 of the Criminal Act, except for small bets placed for fun and at a few facilities authorized by the government. The only legal casino for South Koreans is the Kangwon Land Casino in Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon Province."
The government strictly regulates all gaming activities through the Game Rating and Administration Committee, which evaluates games for speculative elements that could constitute gambling (1). While tourists and foreign nationals can legally gamble at designated casinos throughout South Korea, Korean citizens are restricted to a single casino facility in Gangwon Province (2). The Tourism Promotion Act was recently revised to address pseudo-casino operations, with violators facing up to seven years imprisonment or fines reaching 70 million won (2).
Source:
https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/gaming-law-2024/south-korea
https://m.koreaherald.com/article/3391009
Last updated: 04-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
