South Korea has some of the strictest gambling laws in Asia. Under the Criminal Act and related legislation, gambling is prohibited for Korean citizens except for a small number of state-sanctioned activities: the Kangwon Land casino, the national lottery, sports toto and certain racing events. Other casinos in the country are open to foreign visitors only, and online casino gambling is illegal for residents.
The authorities actively pursue illegal online gambling, blocking sites and prosecuting operators, and players can face penalties too. Although offshore casinos accept players from South Korea, they offer no legal protection in the country. Below you will find casinos that accept players from South Korea, with our rating and payment information, presented for informational purposes.
South Korea Casino Reviews & Ratings
- 111
- 24/7 customer support
- Regular bonuses
- Comp points available
Safe and secure banking methods:
American Express
Bank Wire Transfer
Visa
Neteller - 112
- More than 500 games developed by Microgaming
- Downloadable software
- A generous welcome bonus
Safe and secure banking methods:Neteller
instaDebit
Skrill
Entropay - 113
- Safety of playing provided by the licenses by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission and the UK Gambling Commission
- Live Casino Section
- Numerous banking methods accepted
Safe and secure banking methods:instaDebitBank Wire Transfer
GiroPay
ClickandBuy - 114
- Solid licensing
- Powered by Microgaming
- Lucrative welcome offer
Safe and secure banking methods:
Przelewy24Neteller
PugglePay
Maestro - 115
- 400+ slot games
- 600% match bonus for newcomers
- 7-tier VIP Program for loyal users
Safe and secure banking methods:VisaNeteller
MasterCardSkrill - 116
- Regular and lucrative bonuses
- Frequent game catalog updates
- Exemplary customer support
Safe and secure banking methods:
Flexepin
Bitcoin
PayID
Tether - 117
- A wide variety of games
- The privilege of the VIP Club
- The option for cryptocurrency transactions
Safe and secure banking methods:
Ripple
TRON
Sofort
MuchBetter - 118
- Extensive selection of sportsbook
- Multiple bonuses for casino and sportsbook
- Acceptance of cryptocurrencies as payment
Safe and secure banking methods:RippleSkrillBank Wire Transfer
Interac - 119
- Extensive variety of games
- Generous bonus offerings
- Secure and trustworthy platform
Safe and secure banking methods:VisaSofort
eZeeWallet
Ethereum - 120
- Smooth mobile gambling
- No deposit offer
- Licensed services
Safe and secure banking methods:
Credit CardsBank Wire Transfer
Apple PayMasterCard
$30 Chip
The legal position in South Korea
- Prohibition: gambling by Korean citizens is a criminal offence outside the few authorised activities, and this extends to gambling abroad and online.
- Kangwon Land: the only land-based casino where Korean citizens may legally play.
- Enforcement: the Korea Communications Standards Commission blocks gambling sites, and police investigate illegal betting operations.
- Age: where gambling is authorised, the minimum age is 19, in line with Korean legal adulthood.
Payments and risks to consider
Korean banks generally block card payments to gambling merchants, so offshore sites that market to Korea tend to rely on cryptocurrencies, e-wallets or local bank transfers through intermediaries. These methods carry serious risks: accounts used for illegal gambling transfers can be frozen, and there is no route to recover funds if an operator refuses payment. Read about general payment options in our guide to casino payment methods. If you or someone close to you struggles with gambling, the Korea Center on Gambling Problems provides free counselling and support.
FAQ about online casinos in South Korea
Can South Koreans legally play at online casinos?
No. Korean law prohibits online casino gambling for residents and citizens, and authorities pursue both operators and, in some cases, players. Offshore sites may still accept registrations from South Korea, but using them breaches local law and offers no legal protection or recourse if something goes wrong.
Where can Koreans gamble legally?
Korean citizens can legally gamble at Kangwon Land in Gangwon Province, buy national lottery tickets, and take part in sports toto and authorised horse, cycle and boat racing. The other land-based casinos in the country are restricted to foreign passport holders and are not open to locals.
Does Korean law apply when gambling abroad?
Korean courts have treated gambling by citizens abroad as potentially punishable, and well-known cases have involved Koreans gambling in overseas casinos. The same principle applies to offshore websites. Anyone considering it should understand that playing outside Korea does not automatically make gambling legal for Korean citizens.
Where can I get help for gambling problems in Korea?
The Korea Center on Gambling Problems runs a national helpline and local centres offering free, confidential counselling for gamblers and their families. Support covers financial stress, relapse prevention and family relationships. Seeking help early makes recovery far easier, and no referral is needed to contact the service.