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
- 321
- Wide choice of games
- Attractive welcome bonus
- User-friendly website
Safe and secure banking methods:
Bitcoin Cash
Bitcoin
WebMoney
QIWI - 322
- High-quality software from the best suppliers
- Homepage available in several languages
- Huge variety of bonuses
Safe and secure banking methods:QIWI
Money Transfer
Neteller
American Express - 323
- VIP Program
- More than 1,600 games
- Lots of payment options
Safe and secure banking methods:
Papara
Ethereum
MasterCard
POLi - 324
- Wide range of games
- Generous bonuses
- Loyalty program
Safe and secure banking methods:
Jeton
EcoPayz
Bank Wire Transfer
Ripple - 325
- 250+ immersive live dealer titles
- Secure payment methods
- Great variety of bonuses
Safe and secure banking methods:
CashtoCode
Visa
Skrill
Yandex Money - 326
- Over 700 slot games
- Generous welcome bonus
- Reliable payment methods
Safe and secure banking methods:
CashlibMoney TransferEcoPayzPOLi - 327
- The welcome reception of the US players
- The sign-up bonus established at $1,000
- SSL encryption used to protect the site
Safe and secure banking methods:EthereumNetellerBitcoin Cash
Cheque - 328
- High-quality software from RTG
- Solid welcome and match bonus
- Low wagering requirements
Safe and secure banking methods:American ExpressBitcoinVisa
Discover - 329
- Low minimum deposits
- Accepts cryptocurrencies
- No fees
Safe and secure banking methods:EcoPayzNeteller
UPayCardVisa - 330
- 400+ games from top providers
- Generous welcome bonus
- 24/7 customer support
Safe and secure banking methods:
Maestro
Apple Pay
Western Union
ClickandBuy
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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.