South Korea is better known for K-Pop, Samsung, LG, Kia, Hyundai, Gangnam Style, and lately, Squid Game. But did you know Seoul is a haven for online gaming?
StarCraft II is arguably the biggest video game in South Korea. CS: GO, League of Legends, Call of Duty, and Overwatch have huge followings too. Recently, online casino games are also gaining traction in the Southeastern country. Learn more below.
The Legality of Online Gambling in South Korea
Put simply, South Korea does not license online casinos. This means operators can’t launch gambling sites within the country’s territories. However, they can base their offices outside of South Korea and welcome customers from all over the world, including South Korea.
In light of that information, thousands of South Koreas gamble online. They just don’t use home-based casinos. Instead, they create accounts and gamble at websites based in countries like Malta and the UK.
Is it safe for South Koreans to gamble at offshore casino sites? South Korea has no jurisdiction over offshore casinos. As such, it can’t sue online casinos outside of its borders. Additionally, it can’t stop its citizens from gambling at offshore casinos, especially if they use security tools like VPNs.
The Growth of iGaming in Korea
Although the South Korean government prohibits gambling, it’s admitted in the past that iGaming is growing rapidly. There are many reasons South Koreans choose to gamble online even if it means joining overseas casino sites. Below are some of them:
Plenty of Casino Options
When you think about it, the main reason there are many South Korean online casino players is that casinos out there are willing to accept them. Importantly, it’s not just one or two gambling sites that accept players from the country.
South Koreans have plenty of options in the iGaming sector. Of course, this calls for caution when finding a good Asia casino online. Choose a site that meets all your expectations, from game variety and bonuses to banking and customer service.
If you need assistance, visit a casino review website that focuses on Asian online casinos. The best review platforms rank numerous casinos after having vetted each of them. This way, all you need is to choose the best-rated operator.
Bonuses and Promotions
Online casinos have an ingenious way of marketing their services. They invite potential customers to play a few games free of charge through no deposit bonuses. The only catch is that you need to create an account to earn this bonus.
If you’re willing to deposit money, most Korean casinos match it 100% for a maximum of $100, $200, or even $500. Some operators also give you additional bonuses during your second, third, and fourth deposits.
Casino bonuses come in many types. If you miss out on a first deposit bonus, you can qualify for cash backs, loyalty points, or live casino bonuses. These promotions are effective in convincing people to gamble online and not just in Korea.
Hundreds of Diverse Games
Gone are the days when online casinos only featured a handful of slot machines. Nowadays, the standard casino site has more than 500 slots, over 100 RNG table games, and dozens of live casinos.
Crucially, these games come in all shapes and forms. Take slots as an example. There are classic slots. Then we have video slots and progressive jackpots. On the other end, there’s the choice to play Megaways and 3D slots.
Still, on slots, Koreans have the choice to play Korean dramas-themed, sports-themed, celebrity, politics, crime, and animal-themed games. The games come from a range of developers—Microgaming, NetEnt, Play’n GO, BTG, Playtech, and Betsoft, to name a few.
Live Casino Games
Live casino games provide something casinos never dream could happen two decades ago—socialization. They allow you to view and talk to your opponents as you compete in a game of poker or baccarat.
Usually, you need a smart device with a decent camera and fast Internet to access live casino games. On the other end, a live casino needs proper live dealer software from a company like Evolution.
As we mentioned earlier, some casinos have live dealer bonuses. In many cases, though, you must complete a deposit to earn this offer.
Safe Banking
Think about it. Would Koreans join online casinos in droves if banking was hectic? They wouldn’t. However, banking at modern online casinos is painless. You can use a variety of payment methods—PayPal, Google Pay, Visa, MasterCard, Bitcoin, wire transfer, or even send an eCheck.
Importantly, the best casinos have friendly terms and conditions. You can deposit from $5 to $100,000. But this varies from one casino to another and the payment method you choose.
Most operators don’t charge deposit fees. However, a fee might apply when cashing out your casino profits. This is alright as long as you get your money quickly.
Mobile Support
Another reason the online gambling industry is growing in Korea is because of mobile support. More than half of South Koreans use their iPhones and android devices to access the Internet.
For these people, mobile is the device of choice for playing online games. Fortunately, most casinos offer their games on iOS and android devices. As such, millions of Koreans can gamble online without necessarily investing in PCs.
Most casinos provide their games on mobile websites and not native apps. The explanation is simple. Both Google and Apple have strict rules when it comes to publishing gambling apps on their play stores.
To make it easier for Koreans to access online casinos, mobile websites are a simpler option. The only condition is to have a good device with a browser. Also, ensure you find a mobile casino with loads of mobile games.
Summary
Gambling might be illegal in South Korea. But the local online casino space is mushrooming. People gamble through offshore casinos based in Malta, the UK, or as far as South America. The industry is expected to continue growing thanks to sweet bonuses, safe banking, and plenty of mobile-friendly games.