Big Events like Qatar World Cup Fuel Surge in 'Illegal Toto Sites'
Betting Also Punishable...Fines up to 50 Million KRW
Only Sports Toto and Official Online Site Betman Authorized by Korea Sports Promotion Foundation
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] # Kim, a college student in his 20s, participated in 'Sports Toto' during the 2022 Qatar World Cup. However, the next day, the Toto site suddenly disappeared. Kim said, "Since it was the World Cup period, my friends and I pooled money to bet, but it was a scam. How could this happen?" He added, "I don't even know how to get compensation, and just thinking about the lost money keeps me awake at night."
Unlike lotteries such as Lotto, which rely purely on luck, Sports Toto involves analyzing games and predicting results to earn profits (dividends). Because of this, Toto becomes very popular during big events or global sports competitions like the Qatar World Cup.
For example, in the match between South Korea and Portugal, since Portugal is considered stronger based on team strength comparison, people bet on Portugal. Some even said things like "All in on Ronaldo" or "Sorry, Taegeuk Warriors" during this period. Of course, those who bet on Portugal winning, while the South Korean national football team actually won, likely did not receive dividends.
The problem is that during the betting process, many illegal Toto sites prepare scams from the start, taking users' betting money and then disappearing. These sites often operate accounts overseas, making it known that the chances of apprehension are lower compared to other cybercrimes.
Moreover, there are proxy purchase services for Toto that lure minors. They generally promote on social networking services (SNS) like Twitter or Facebook, claiming "Minors can use Toto even with small amounts."
Illegal Toto sites are rampant regardless of whether users are adults or minors, and Toto scam crimes have yet to be eradicated. According to the National Police Agency, the number of illegal sports Toto crime cases was 3,415 last year, showing a slight increase over the past four years. In 2020, there were 3,222 cases; in 2019, 3,078 cases; and in 2018, 1,629 cases.
Currently, only the Sports Toto operated by the Korea Sports Promotion Lottery and the official internet sales site Betman are legal in South Korea. Other similar Toto sites and sales activities are illegal. Many advertise themselves as having business registration certificates or being operated by sports experts, but none of these are legal.
Using such sites to place bets can result in 'eat-and-run' damages. Additionally, under current law, violators can lose money and face punishment. Betting money on illegal sites in South Korea is punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won. The police are intensively cracking down on illegal sports Toto sites through dedicated cyber gambling investigation teams in police departments nationwide, especially during the World Cup season.
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