Betting on lotteries and horse, cycling and boat races are the only legal forms of gambling in South Korea, while bets are placed only in licensed toto sites. Although there are 23 land-based casinos in the country, only the Kangwon Land Casino accepts local Korean gamblers. Based on data collected in the past years, statistical reports show that around 41.8% of South Korean’s adult population are active gamblers. While the figures seem low, many believe it is higher as not a few South Koreans engage in online gambling.
Officially, the low figures in gambling statistics in South Korea are attributed to the general public’s strong aversion to gambling and to the minimal participation of Korean women. Majority of South Koreans correlate gambling to criminal activities, as the penalty for those caught gambling in underground casinos or toto sites, is incarceration of up to 3 years.
Offers of casino junkets or packaged tours in gambling destinations like Macau and the Philippines do not flourish in the country. Mainly because gambling in other countries is still considered illegal for South Koreans, regardless of economic status or occupation. Several well-known Korean personalities found gambling in other countries were imprisoned upon their return to the country.
Probability that the Percentage of Active Gamblers in South Korea is Higher
A study found out there’s a probability that the number of active gamblers are higher. Engagement in online gambling has increased due to improved Internet penetration in the country and availability of mobile communication devices.
Moreover, despite efforts by the government to block international online casinos and sports betting sites, advancements in communication technology make it possible for local gamblers to safely access offshore-based gambling sites.
Use of VPN
Local gambling enthusiasts who engage in online gambling are afforded protection against detection through the use of Virtual Private Networks or VPN. This technology shields communication data sent via public network through the use of end-to-end encryptions provided by servers. Actually, VPN is now a common feature offered by remotely operated online casinos and sports books; enabling gamblers in countries that prohibit gambling, to access their betting products and services.
Use of Eat and Run Verification Services
The proliferation of rogue operators of remote betting sites is one aspect that makes avid local gamblers wary of online gambling. Yet in South Korea, this issue has been provided with a solution by providers of a service known as eat and run verification.
Individuals or businesses who want to make sure they are dealing with persons or entities without criminal records or negative reputation can always ask a professional of an 먹튀검증커뮤니티 (eat and see community) to authenticate credentials and perform background checking.
The process uses methods and technology utilized by regulated business organizations required to comply with the international Know Your Customer (KYC) protocol. Thorough verifications must be performed to ensure that customers looking to do regular business with banks, casinos (offline and online) and other providers of financial services, are not involved in criminal or terrorist activities. The KYC protocol is deemed as the first line of defense against money laundering activities and financial activities of terrorist groups.
Inasmuch as many South Korean gamblers are taking risks when engaging in online casino gambling and sports betting, they make it a point to have a gambling site vetted by way of eat and run verification. The practice has become quite popular in the country that it’s now used as a marketing strategy for promoting online casinos and sports books as safe playgrounds. There are now websites that recommend only eat and run verified online toto sites to South Koreans.