Teen gambling treatment cases rise over 40% in 2025
5,838 teenagers received gambling counseling in 2025, a 40.9% increase from the previous year, officials reported.
Data from the National Gambling Control Commission indicate that 5,838 South Korean teenagers received treatment or counseling for gambling issues in 2025, marking a 40.9% rise compared with the prior year. Illegal online gambling accounted for the largest share of cases at 57.7%. Authorities identified 24,474 youths as high-risk, yet merely 1,235 were referred to the Korea Problem Gambling Agency, which provides prevention and rehabilitation services.
Representative Lim Oh-kyeong of the Democratic Party highlighted this shortfall and called for a thorough revision of the performance-management framework governing teen protection policies. The figures were presented to Lim during a briefing, underscoring growing concerns about youth exposure to gambling and the need for stronger regulatory action.
Why it matters
The sharp rise in teen gambling problems signals a need for stronger prevention and support measures.
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