An alarming trend has been detected in South Korea, where teenagers are increasingly falling prey to online gambling as the country experiences a surge in Internet traffic related to casino searches. The Korea Center on Gambling Problems (KCGP) has revealed that gambling addiction counseling for teenagers has doubled over the past four years, indicating a growing issue that needs to be addressed promptly.
According to information shared by the KCGP and reported by The Korea Times, the number of teenagers seeking counseling for gambling addiction has risen significantly, from 1,286 in 2020 to 2,665 by the end of August 2024. Representative Cho Gye-won, a Member of Parliament from the Democratic Party of Korea, has raised concerns about this worrying trend and called for stricter measures to combat illegal online gambling.
Cho emphasized the need for the government to take decisive action against illegal gambling websites, advocating for harsher penalties and legal consequences for those involved in promoting such activities. He also suggested that gambling prevention education should be integrated into school curriculums to raise awareness about the risks associated with gambling.
Despite the increase in the number of individuals seeking counseling for gambling addiction, the percentage of pathological gamblers among them has remained relatively stable. In 2020, 65.1% of those seeking help were classified as pathological gamblers, a figure that rose to 66.4% in 2024, representing 362 and 582 individuals, respectively.
The rise in gambling addiction among teenagers has been linked to the growing popularity of online casinos in the country. The KCGP reported that while sports betting was the preferred choice for teenagers in 2020, with 48.2% of them engaging in such activities, the trend has shifted drastically in 2024, with only 9.2% of teenagers participating in sports betting.
On the other hand, the interest in online casinos has surged, with 59% of teenagers showing a preference for online casino games in 2024, compared to just 8.9% in 2020. The KCGP has also noted changes in the demographics of those seeking help, indicating a shift in the profile of individuals affected by gambling addiction.
In light of these concerning developments, it is crucial for authorities to take decisive action to address the issue of underage gambling and provide support for those affected by addiction. By implementing stricter regulations and raising awareness about the risks involved, it is possible to mitigate the impact of online gambling on teenagers and prevent further escalation of the problem.
