Serious 'Gambling Problems' Amid COVID-19... Controversy Over Major Cuts to Local Management Centers

Sagamwi Reviews Consolidation of Handogwan from 13 to 5 Locations
Plans to Conduct Research Service

Illegal Gambling and Gambling Addiction as Social Issues
Helpline Receives Over 10,000 Cases

Criticism of Regional Center Reduction as 'Regression'
"No Decision Made... Service Delivery System Improvement Plan"

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Gwan-ju and Song Seung-yoon] The Integrated Supervision Commission for Gambling Industry (ISCGI) under the Prime Minister's Office is reportedly considering downsizing the regional centers of the Korea Center on Gambling Problems Management (KCGPM), which is responsible for preventing and treating gambling problems by region. This move is expected to spark controversy as it comes amid the serious social issues of illegal gambling and gambling addiction exacerbated by the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

According to a comprehensive report from our investigation on the 15th, the ISCGI plans to prepare a plan to reduce the current 13 KCGPM regional centers to 5 and conduct a research project. The goal is to consolidate and streamline the regional centers nationwide. An ISCGI official explained, "We considered improving the delivery system for gambling prevention and treatment services and decided on this direction."

KCGPM currently operates 13 commissioned support centers across 13 cities and provinces nationwide. These regional centers establish cooperative systems with local governments, hospitals, and other related institutions within their regions, carrying out tailored gambling problem prevention activities and counseling and treatment services for gambling addicts locally. The issue is that the downsizing of regional centers is being pursued amid a worsening social situation regarding gambling addiction. In fact, the number of calls to the 'Gambling Problem Helpline (1336)' from January to August increased from 7,934 in 2018 to 9,380 last year and 10,655 this year. This is analyzed to be due to an increase in the number of people exposed to gambling as a result of remote work and increased internet use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The problem of illegal gambling is also at a serious level. According to the ISCGI's "4th Illegal Gambling Status Survey" report, the scale of illegal gambling in South Korea was estimated at 81.5 trillion won as of 2019. This represents a 15% increase compared to the 3rd survey in 2016. Especially after the COVID-19 outbreak, illegal gambling sites have become even more rampant. In July alone, the police conducted focused investigations on 12 illegal gambling sites and arrested 153 people. Consequently, the police extended the period of intensive crackdowns on gambling sites from October to the end of the year. A police official stated, "There is an interpretation that demand for illegal gambling increased as legal bicycle and motorboat racing were suspended due to COVID-19," adding, "We extended the period to conduct focused investigations."

In this situation, the downsizing of regional centers, which serve as the 'frontline' in responding to gambling problems, is expected to face criticism as a move contrary to government policy. While the ISCGI maintains that "nothing has been decided yet," some speculate that the downsizing of regional centers has become a fait accompli since a related official document was sent to KCGPM at the end of last month. An ISCGI official said, "We do not intend to respond lukewarmly to the increasing gambling problems by reducing projects," and added, "We plan to review through research projects what direction would be best for the service delivery system."