The South Korean island of Jeju is considering the “pros and cons” of online gaming at its foreigner-only casinos. Of eight licensed casinos, five are currently closed as the holiday destination grapples with the loss of in-person tourism due to Covid-19.
Alex Park JeungYeon, assistant director of the government’s Casino Policy Division, told GGRAsia that “remote gambling over the internet to overseas customers” is “currently being examined” with any and all “drawbacks” to be considered.
The concept of iGaming as a palliative was first raised in October by a member of the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee. At a policy forum in November, members of the Jeju government heard from experts who suggested that online gaming services could be beneficial, using payment methods including blockchain.
Such a plan would require approval from the national government. The country’s leadership changed on May 10, when Yoon Suk-yeol took office as South Korea’s president, following an election in March.
It seems that local gaming, in which South Koreans would be able to play as well as work at casinos in Jeju, is still out of the question.
Park also said the island must draw tourists and foreign customers from beyond Japan and China for the casino industry to thrive.
“For our tourism strategy after the end of Covid-19 pandemic, we’d like to focus more on attracting Mongolia and Vietnam tourists, as those countries are possessing a large group of Korean culture and Korean wave fans,” he said.
