Gambling Self-Exclusion Programs in South Korea: Voluntary Bans, Casino Exclusion, and Family Intervention

For individuals struggling with problem gambling, self-exclusion programs offer a critical intervention tool. These programs allow gamblers to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling venues, providing a barrier against the impulse to gamble during recovery. In South Korea, self-exclusion operates within a unique regulatory environment where most gambling is illegal for citizens, but specific legal venues like Kangwon Land and authorized lottery/racing operations offer formal exclusion mechanisms.

This comprehensive guide examines the self-exclusion landscape in South Korea: how programs work, who can request exclusion, the legal protections involved, and the effectiveness of these interventions in supporting problem gambling recovery.

Understanding Self-Exclusion: Concept and Purpose

Self-exclusion is a formal agreement between a gambler and a gambling operator in which the individual voluntarily bans themselves from accessing gambling services for a specified period. The concept originated in casino settings but has expanded to cover various gambling formats including online platforms, lottery outlets, and racing venues.

According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, self-exclusion serves several therapeutic functions:

• Barrier creation: Physical and administrative barriers reduce access during high-risk moments
• Commitment device: The formal act of exclusion reinforces personal commitment to change
• Cooling-off period: Mandatory waiting periods allow cognitive recovery from gambling urges
• External accountability: Involving institutions creates accountability beyond self-control
• Treatment catalyst: Self-exclusion often serves as the first step toward formal treatment

Research from the Responsible Gambling Council indicates that self-exclusion is most effective when combined with other interventions such as counseling, support groups, and financial management programs. It is not a standalone cure but rather one tool in a comprehensive recovery approach.

Kangwon Land Self-Exclusion Program

As the only casino in South Korea where Korean citizens can legally gamble, Kangwon Land operates the most comprehensive self-exclusion program in the country. The casino has implemented multiple exclusion mechanisms in response to its documented social impacts on problem gambling.

Voluntary Self-Exclusion

Kangwon Land's voluntary self-exclusion program allows individuals to ban themselves from entering the casino. The process works as follows:

1. Application: Visit the Kangwon Land Responsible Gambling Center in person or submit an application through designated channels
2. Identification: Provide valid Korean identification (resident registration card)
3. Duration selection: Choose exclusion period:
   • Short-term: 1-6 months
   • Medium-term: 6 months to 1 year
   • Long-term: 1-3 years
   • Indefinite: No set end date
4. Registration: Information is entered into the entry control database
5. Confirmation: Receive confirmation of exclusion registration

Once registered, the individual's identification is flagged in Kangwon Land's electronic entry system. The casino uses facial recognition technology and ID scanning at entry points. Attempting to enter while self-excluded results in denial at the door.

Entry Limits System

Beyond self-exclusion, Kangwon Land enforces mandatory entry limits for all Korean visitors:

These mandatory limits apply to all visitors regardless of self-exclusion status. They represent a form of "soft exclusion" that affects all patrons, not just those who voluntarily request restrictions.

Reinstatement Process

For temporary self-exclusions, reinstatement after the exclusion period requires:

• Waiting period completion: The full exclusion period must elapse
• Cooling-off period: Additional mandatory waiting period (typically 7 days minimum)
• Optional counseling: Some reinstatements may require or recommend counseling sessions
• Written request: Formal application for reinstatement

For indefinite exclusions, reinstatement is more complex and typically requires demonstrating commitment to responsible gambling, often including completed treatment programs or ongoing counseling relationships.

Family Request Exclusion: Third-Party Intervention

South Korea recognizes that problem gamblers may be unable or unwilling to self-exclude. The Family Request Exclusion system allows immediate family members to petition for a loved one's exclusion from gambling venues.

Who Can Request Family Exclusion

Under Korean regulations, the following family members may petition for exclusion:

• Spouse (legal marriage required)
• Parents (biological or legal)
• Adult children (age 19 or older)
• Siblings (in some circumstances)
• Legal guardians (for individuals under guardianship)

The petitioner must demonstrate a legitimate family relationship through official documentation such as family register (호적등본) or resident registration.

Documentation Requirements

Family exclusion requests require substantial documentation to prevent misuse:

• Proof of relationship: Family register, marriage certificate, or legal guardianship documents
• Evidence of gambling harm: May include:
  • Financial records showing gambling-related losses or debt
  • Medical or psychological evaluation reports
  • Statements from counselors or social workers
  • Court documents related to gambling (if applicable)
• Petitioner statement: Written explanation of why exclusion is necessary
• Petitioner identification: Valid Korean ID

Subject Notification and Rights

The person being excluded has legal rights in the process:

• Notification: The subject must be informed of the exclusion request
• Right to contest: The subject may submit a written objection
• Review process: Contested requests undergo administrative review
• Appeal mechanism: Decisions may be appealed through formal channels

In cases where the subject contests the exclusion, a review committee considers both parties' arguments. The decision weighs the evidence of gambling harm against the individual's autonomy rights.

Duration and Renewal

Family-requested exclusions typically follow these parameters:

• Initial period: Usually 1 year
• Renewal: Family members may petition for renewal before expiration
• Early termination: Requires mutual agreement or administrative review
• Maximum duration: Varies; may be renewed indefinitely if harm continues

Korea Problem Gambling Agency (KPGA) Programs

The Korea Problem Gambling Agency (한국도박문제예방치유원), formerly known as the Korean Center on Gambling Problems, operates national programs supporting self-exclusion and problem gambling intervention.

KPGA Self-Exclusion Coordination

While KPGA does not directly operate gambling venues, it coordinates exclusion efforts across different operators:

• Referral services: Connects individuals with venue-specific exclusion programs
• Documentation assistance: Helps prepare family exclusion petitions
• Counselor statements: KPGA counselors can provide supporting documentation
• Follow-up support: Maintains contact with self-excluded individuals

1336 Helpline and Intervention

The 1336 helpline serves as the primary entry point for many seeking exclusion assistance:

• Available 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Free and confidential counseling
• Guidance on self-exclusion processes for different venues
• Crisis intervention when needed
• Referrals to local treatment centers

Integration with Treatment

KPGA emphasizes that self-exclusion should be part of a broader treatment plan:

"Self-exclusion is a valuable tool, but it works best when combined with professional treatment. We encourage everyone who self-excludes to also engage with counseling services to address the underlying issues driving gambling behavior."

KPGA offers free treatment services including individual counseling, group therapy, family counseling, and residential programs. Self-exclusion applicants are encouraged to enroll in these services simultaneously.

Sports Toto and Lottery Exclusion

The Korea lottery system, including Sports Toto and Lotto 6/45, operates under the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation (KSPO). These gambling formats have their own restriction mechanisms, though they differ from casino exclusion.

Sports Toto Restrictions

Sports Toto, the legal sports betting operator, has implemented purchase limit systems:

• Purchase limits: Maximum ₩100,000 per ticket, monthly caps available
• Self-imposed limits: Account holders can set personal spending limits
• Voluntary suspension: Accounts can be suspended for designated periods
• Age verification: Strict ID checks prevent underage participation

Unlike Kangwon Land, Sports Toto operates primarily through retail outlets, making complete exclusion more challenging. The focus is on purchase limits rather than venue exclusion.

Lottery Retailer Restrictions

For lottery products (Lotto, scratch cards), formal self-exclusion is more limited:

• No national exclusion registry for lottery purchases
• Retailers cannot be expected to identify self-excluded individuals
• Focus is on responsible gambling messaging and helpline information
• Family members cannot formally block lottery purchases

The distributed nature of lottery sales (convenience stores, dedicated retailers) makes systematic exclusion impractical. Problem gambling interventions for lottery focus on treatment rather than access restriction.

Horse Racing and Racing Venue Exclusion

The Korea Racing Authority (KRA) operates horse racing venues and off-track betting facilities. Racing venues have developed their own exclusion mechanisms:

KRA Self-Exclusion

Horse racing venues offer self-exclusion similar to casino programs:

• Venue registration: Self-exclusion can be registered at Seoul Race Park, Busan-Gyeongnam Race Park, or Jeju Racecourse
• Off-track coverage: Exclusion can extend to off-track betting locations
• Duration options: Temporary or indefinite exclusion available
• Online betting: Self-excluded individuals can be blocked from online wagering accounts

Motorboat and Cycling Racing

Motorboat racing (operated by Korea Powerboat Racing) and cycling racing (operated by Korea Cycle Racing Association) have similar exclusion options:

• Venue-specific self-exclusion programs
• Entry denial for self-excluded individuals
• Account suspension for online betting

Foreigner Casino Considerations

Foreigner-only casinos in South Korea present a different situation. Korean citizens are already legally prohibited from entering these venues, so self-exclusion is not applicable. However, for foreign residents or tourists who develop gambling problems while in Korea:

• Individual casinos may honor self-exclusion requests from foreign nationals
• No unified exclusion system across foreigner casinos
• Consular services may assist foreign nationals seeking gambling help

Online Gambling: A Different Challenge

Since online gambling is illegal for Korean citizens, there is no legal self-exclusion mechanism for internet gambling sites. This creates a significant gap in the exclusion landscape:

• No legal recourse: Offshore gambling sites operate outside Korean jurisdiction
• Self-help measures: Gamblers must rely on self-control, website blocking software, or having others control their devices
• Financial blocks: Some banks allow gambling transaction blocks on cards
• VPN prevention: Individuals can request help blocking VPN access

The cryptocurrency gambling space is particularly challenging, as crypto transactions bypass traditional banking controls. For those struggling with online gambling, the focus shifts to treatment and counseling rather than formal exclusion.

Effectiveness of Self-Exclusion Programs

Research on self-exclusion effectiveness shows mixed but generally positive results. Studies published in the Journal of Gambling Studies indicate:

Positive Outcomes

• Reduced gambling: Most self-excluded individuals report significant reductions in gambling frequency and expenditure
• Financial improvement: Many report stabilized or improved financial situations
• Psychological benefits: Reduced anxiety and depression related to gambling
• Relationship improvements: Better family and social relationships
• Treatment engagement: Self-exclusion often leads to formal treatment enrollment

Limitations and Challenges

• Breach rates: Some individuals breach exclusion by using others' identifications or finding workarounds
• Venue substitution: Excluded individuals may shift to other gambling forms not covered by exclusion
• Incomplete coverage: No unified national system covering all gambling types
• Enforcement gaps: Technical and human limitations in detecting excluded individuals
• Relapse risk: Exclusion alone without treatment has lower long-term success

Success Factors

Research identifies factors associated with successful self-exclusion outcomes:

• Concurrent participation in treatment or counseling
• Strong family and social support
• Longer exclusion periods (1+ years)
• Self-initiated exclusion (versus externally imposed)
• Financial counseling and debt management
• Avoiding gambling substitution behaviors

Legal Framework for Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion in South Korea operates within a broader legal framework governing gambling and problem gambling intervention:

National Gambling Control Commission

The National Gambling Control Commission (NGCC) oversees gambling regulation and responsible gambling policies. NGCC regulations require licensed gambling operators to:

• Offer self-exclusion programs
• Train staff to recognize problem gambling
• Display responsible gambling information
• Report on problem gambling interventions

Operator Legal Obligations

Under Korean gambling law, licensed operators have legal responsibilities regarding self-exclusion:

• Program availability: Must offer self-exclusion options
• Confidentiality: Must protect self-exclusion records
• Enforcement: Must make reasonable efforts to prevent excluded individuals from gambling
• Non-discrimination: Cannot penalize employees who self-exclude

Self-Excluded Individual Rights

Individuals who self-exclude retain certain legal protections:

• Privacy: Self-exclusion status is confidential information
• No criminal liability: Attempting to breach exclusion is not a criminal offense (though entry will be denied)
• Right to reinstatement: After exclusion period, individuals may request reinstatement
• Employment protection: Self-exclusion should not affect employment at non-gambling establishments

Financial Protection Measures

Beyond venue exclusion, individuals can implement financial protections to support recovery:

Banking Controls

Korean financial institutions offer several gambling-related protections:

• Gambling transaction blocks: Some banks allow blocking of transactions to gambling merchants
• Account monitoring: Family members (with consent) can receive alerts for large transactions
• Credit limit reductions: Voluntarily reducing credit limits prevents gambling on credit
• Separate account management: Having a family member control primary accounts

Financial Counseling

KPGA and treatment centers offer financial counseling for problem gamblers:

• Debt assessment and management planning
• Budgeting assistance
• Creditor negotiation support
• Bankruptcy guidance when appropriate
• Long-term financial recovery planning

For those facing significant gambling debt, financial intervention is often as important as venue exclusion.

Special Population Considerations

Youth Self-Exclusion

While minors cannot legally gamble in Korea, the youth gambling crisis has prompted focus on preventive measures:

• Parents can register children for preventive exclusion databases
• KPGA offers youth-specific counseling and education
• Schools participate in gambling prevention education

Elderly Considerations

Elderly gamblers may face unique challenges with self-exclusion:

• Cognitive impairment may affect decision-making about exclusion
• Family request exclusion may be more commonly used
• Legal guardianship may grant guardians exclusion authority
• Social isolation treatment should accompany exclusion

Military Personnel

Military personnel have additional considerations:

• Unit commanders may recommend exclusion for soldiers showing problem gambling
• Military chaplains and counselors can assist with exclusion processes
• Self-exclusion is confidential and should not affect military career

Technology and Self-Exclusion

Identification Technology

Kangwon Land uses advanced technology to enforce exclusion:

• Facial recognition: Cameras at entry points can identify excluded individuals
• ID scanning: All Korean visitors must present identification
• Database integration: Real-time checking against exclusion registry
• Alert systems: Staff receive immediate notification of exclusion matches

Digital Self-Help Tools

Technology also enables self-help measures:

• Website blockers: Software like Gamban or BetBlocker can block gambling sites
• App restrictions: Parental control features can block gambling apps
• Time limits: Screen time management can limit online gambling access
• Accountability apps: Some apps allow designated supporters to monitor activity

International Comparison

Understanding how other countries approach self-exclusion provides context for Korea's system:

Australia: Multi-Venue Self-Exclusion

Australia operates state-based multi-venue self-exclusion systems allowing exclusion from multiple venues through a single application. Some states link online and land-based exclusion.

United Kingdom: GAMSTOP

The UK's GAMSTOP system provides nationwide online gambling self-exclusion. All licensed online operators must participate, creating comprehensive coverage for internet gambling.

Singapore: National Exclusion

Singapore requires entry levies for citizens ($100 SGD per visit) and operates a family exclusion system similar to Korea's. The small number of casinos (two) facilitates enforcement.

United States: State-by-State

US self-exclusion varies by state and is typically venue or operator-specific. Some states are developing multi-state compacts for broader coverage.

Korea's system is relatively robust for casino gambling but less comprehensive for other gambling forms compared to some international models.

How to Get Help: Step-by-Step Guide

For those considering self-exclusion, here is a practical guide:

Step 1: Acknowledge the Problem

Recognizing that gambling has become problematic is the crucial first step. Use our problem gambling self-assessment tool to evaluate your gambling behavior.

Step 2: Contact KPGA

Call the 1336 helpline or visit a local treatment center. Counselors can:

• Assess your situation
• Explain self-exclusion options
• Guide you through the process
• Connect you with treatment services

Step 3: Identify Venues to Exclude From

Determine which gambling venues you access:

• Kangwon Land casino
• Horse racing venues
• Sports Toto outlets
• Lottery purchase locations
• Online platforms (illegal but common)

Step 4: Complete Exclusion Applications

For each relevant venue:

• Gather required identification
• Visit the venue or designated registration point
• Complete application forms
• Choose exclusion duration
• Obtain confirmation

Step 5: Implement Financial Protections

Work with KPGA counselors or financial advisors to:

• Block gambling transactions
• Manage credit access
• Establish accountability measures

Step 6: Begin Treatment

Self-exclusion is most effective with concurrent treatment. Engage with:

• Individual counseling
• Group therapy
• Family counseling
• Financial counseling

Step 7: Build Support Network

Recovery is easier with support:

• Inform trusted family members
• Consider joining peer support groups
• Maintain regular counselor contact
• Develop alternative activities and social connections

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Self-Exclusion as Part of Recovery

Self-exclusion programs provide an important intervention tool for problem gamblers in South Korea. While the system has limitations—particularly the lack of unified national coverage and the challenge of online gambling—it offers meaningful support for those seeking to break the cycle of gambling harm.

The most successful recoveries combine self-exclusion with professional treatment, family support, and financial management. For those struggling with gambling, the message is clear: help is available, and taking the step to self-exclude can be the beginning of a path to recovery.

Whether you are considering self-exclusion for yourself or seeking to help a family member, resources are available. The 1336 helpline, KPGA treatment centers, and responsible gambling resources provide confidential, free support to anyone affected by problem gambling in South Korea.

Related Articles and Resources

• Gambling Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers
• Responsible Gambling Resources
• Gambling Debt: Legal Consequences and Debt Relief
• Gambling and Mental Health
• Problem Gambling Self-Assessment Tool
• Kangwon Land: The Only Legal Casino for Koreans
• Gambling and Marriage: Family Impact