Fully-automated electronic table games (ETGs) are now authorized for use inside South Korean casinos, according to GGRAsia.
The country’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism informed the news outlet that the machines are now legal. It described “fully-automated” as standalone ETGs or groups of games in which the play sequences are controlled only by machine. Previously, a staff dealer had to present. According to the ministry, fully-automated ETGs were first approved in February, but the decision was not confirmed on the ministry’s website until April 25.
A spokesperson for Jeju Dream Tower, a foreigners-only casino on Jeju Island, told GGRAsia that it has already converted an ETG stadium with 71 seats to a fully-automated space. Jeju Dream Tower is run by Lotte Tour Development Co. Ltd.
Kangwon Land, the only locals casino in South Korea, operated by Kangwon Land Inc., said it also has an ETG stadium that isn’t fully automated.
Shinhwa World Casino, also on Jeju Island and run by Shin Hwa World Ltd. (formerly Landing International), is not currently offering fully-automated ETGs.
Grand Korea Leisure Co. Ltd., which operates three foreigner-only casinos under the Seven Luck brand, is now offering semi-automated ETGs and may swap out some to the fully automated version.
