Casinos in South Korea: rules for citizens and tourists

Short: "to whom you can"

Kazakh citizens are only allowed to play in Kangwon Land (Gangwon-do). All other casinos in the country are for foreigners only (passport is required).

Tourists over 19 years old have access to foreigners-only casinos (Seoul/Incheon/Busan/Jeju, etc.) upon presentation of a valid passport.

Online casinos to play for money are prohibited; state lottery and Sports Toto (tote) are legal in a strictly limited format.

1) Rules for citizens: "Kangwon Land" exclusion

South Korean law allows only one casino for residents - Kangwon Land. This historical exception is created by law; all other objects of the country work according to the "foreigner-only" model. In 2025, Kangwon Land strengthens the tourist component: it has opened a dedicated zone for foreigners and is preparing to expand capacity (the second hall has been postponed to 2028). For citizens, there is a common entrance in the main hall with local regulations for the time and control of the game.

What's new 2024-2025: The government approved a package of operational reforms for Kangwon Land, including updating rate limits and developing a foreign zone; part of the measures is aimed at competing with Macau/Philippines.

2) Rules for tourists: where to play and how to enter

Geography. Resorts and city casinos are available to foreigners in Seoul/Incheon (Paradise City, Walkerhill, etc.), Busan, on Jeju Island (Jeju Shinhwa World, etc.).

Age and documents. The minimum age is 19 +; passport/ID is checked at the entrance. Without the original document, access is denied.

Format. Foreigners are allowed board games and slots on common resort bases; citizens are prohibited from entering these casinos.

3) Online and betting: what's legal

Online casinos and private bookmakers are banned. The authorities regularly block illegal sites and payment chains, including using cryptocurrencies.

Lotteries and sweepstakes. It is legal to participate in gosloteries and in Sports Toto/Proto (parimatch/lottery model) under the supervision of KSPO; the range of sports is limited, there are no private bookmakers. There are discussions about eSports Toto, but this is still an initiative, not the current norm.

4) Responsible play and control

South Korea traditionally supports strict KYC/AML and responsible gambling rules: control of visits and behavior in Kangwon Land, a hard front filter in foreigner-only casinos, a ban on aggressive offline/online gambling marketing. In 2025, law enforcement against illegal online gambling (including crypto networks and organized groups) is intensifying.

5) Practice for a tourist: checklist before the visit

1. Passport: take the original; copies/photos do not guarantee passage.

2. Age 19 +: Checked in.

3. Route: large cluster zones - Incheon/Seoul (close to the airport), Jeju (resort-style).

4. It is impossible online: do not transfer funds to the sites "c.com," "P2P exchangers," etc. - this is illegal and risky.

6) Practice for citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan

If you're a resident, the only legal venue is Kangwon Land. Keep an eye on local visiting rules, limits and opening hours.

Online game (offshore, crypt, "agents") - prohibited and associated with legal and financial risks.

7) Economy and tourism: what drives the market in 2025

Foreigner-only model remains basic: the country relies on MICE/entertainment and inbound tourism, including measures to simplify entry for groups from China (impact on the flow of high-risk/VIP players).

Kangwon Land balances between a social mission and a resort component: expansion, a new foreign zone and limit adjustments are the answer to regional competition.

8) FAQs: The most common questions

Can a citizen of the Republic of Kazakhstan play in Seoul/Incheon/Jeju? No, only in Kangwon Land.

At what age are they allowed into the casino? From the age of 19 with an identity card/passport.

Are online casinos legal in Korea? No, it isn't. Lotteries and Sports Toto are allowed in the prescribed format.

Does a tourist need a passport to enter? Yes, a passport is required.

South Korea supports a rigid and understandable framework: for citizens - one legal platform (Kangwon Land), for tourists - a foreigner-only casino network with a 19 + entrance and mandatory verification of documents. Online casinos remain outlawed; only lotteries and Sports Toto are legal. In 2025, there is only one trend: support for tourism and an increase in the standard of compliance on the ground, while at the same time a tough fight against illegal online.

Condition of materials: October 2025.