The Korean National Police Agency has announced a four-month crackdown on illegal gambling at venues in South Korea, with a focus on so-called “Hold’em” pubs.
National news agency Newsis reports the initiative will run from May 1 to August 31, with police investigating venues across the country.
This represents the third large-scale crackdown in the space of three years in South Korea. In total, 4,843 people have been arrested so far on charges of operating illegal gambling establishments and gambling. Police have also confiscated and collected approximately KRW15.0 billion ($10.8 million) in proceeds from crime.
However, this has not deterred some operators from continuing illegal operations, the police said. In some instances, venues are running separate illegal operations and disguising these as ordinary homes.
Areas of interest include Hold’em pubs, where some owners have been profiting from the exchange of chips for use in games to win cash or coins. Police will also look at irregular activities such as exchanging money through seed tickets and illegal Hold’em operations.
Police Planning Arrests Over Illegal Gambling
During the investigations, the police said, they will arrest anyone suspected of being involved in illegal activities, ranging from a venue’s owner, money changer and recruiter, all the way to the gamblers themselves, with all proceeds also being confiscated.
However, venue owners will be regarded as the main culprit in each illegal gambling case. Owners found to be breaking the law will be dealt with “strictly” and cases linked to an organized group will face a wider investigation.
The police will also offer incentives for members of the public to support investigations.
“We plan to pay up to KWR5 million won as a reward for the arrest of criminals to informants who provide crucial evidence, and gamblers who turn themselves in can be exempted from punishment as they are eligible for a voluntary reduction, so please actively report,” the police said.
