South Korea is facing a surge in youth gambling addiction, with cases tripling in just three years. Meanwhile, medical costs are climbing nearly fourfold.
Treatment Cases and Medical Costs on the Rise
According to data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, submitted to Democratic Party lawmaker Seo Young-seok, the number of adolescents treated for gambling addiction grew from 64 in 2022 to 210 in 2024.
During the same period, medical expenses increased from KRW 110 million ($79,400) to KRW 430 million. This highlights the financial strain on the healthcare system in South Korea.
Juvenile Gambling Crimes Escalate Sharply
Concerns are not limited to healthcare in South Korea. The National Police Agency reported that juvenile gambling crimes soared more than eightfold. Cases increased from 76 in 2022 to 631 in 2024.
- Arrests of children aged 10 to 13 rose dramatically, from 2 cases to 72 cases.
- Online casino–related cases jumped from 2 to 93 throughout South Korea.
- Illegal sports betting incidents increased from 36 to 109.
These figures suggest that youth gambling is rapidly spreading across different forms of betting in South Korea.
Counselling Demand Surges Among Youth
The Korea Problem Gambling Agency reported a parallel rise in demand for counselling. Cases grew from 1,460 in 2022 to 4,144 in 2024. Additionally, more than 3,200 cases were already recorded in the first eight months of 2025 in South Korea.
Meanwhile, prevention education programs reached more than 2 million participants in 2024 in various regions of South Korea. Nonetheless, experts warn that outreach is still falling short.
Calls for Stronger Prevention and Treatment Measures
Despite existing initiatives, lawmakers and experts warn resources remain limited. Rep. Seo criticized the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Integrated Support Center for Addiction Management in South Korea. It focused mainly on alcohol addiction while neglecting gambling harms.
“Youth illegal gambling is a social addiction problem that cannot be solved by crackdowns alone,” Seo said. “It damages studies, health, and family stability, while fueling crime and skyrocketing social costs. Expanding specialized treatment facilities, hiring more counselling staff, and strengthening prevention education in schools and communities in South Korea are urgently needed.”
