South Korea has long been a prominent gambling destination in Asia, but its casino industry is now facing increased competition from neighboring countries, particularly Japan and Macau. While South Korea’s casinos cater mainly to foreign visitors, the country has been slow to adopt widespread gambling reforms, limiting the sector’s growth potential.
The South Korean government has recognized the need for change and is considering new policies to attract more international tourists, including increasing the number of integrated resorts and offering more diversified gaming options.
However, there is strong resistance from social advocacy groups, concerned about the potential social costs of increased gambling accessibility. The government’s challenge will be to balance economic growth with the need to protect vulnerable populations.