South Korea faces opposition to cruise ship gambling

Critics have slammed a South Korean government ministry’s proposal to allow locals to gamble aboard cruise ships flying the national flag.

They argue that the maritime ministry’s move will contradict the current near-nationwide ban on locals gambling in land-based casinos. 

The ministry promoting the local casino cruise ships idea says there would be tough rules to protect citizens from addiction and anti-social behavior and that South Korean citizens are already using foreign cruise ships for such activities.

Maritime Minister Yoo Ki-june, from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, said locals using such South Korean cruise ships would only be allowed to gamble for five to six hours at most per day while the ships are sailing in international waters. The maximum betting amount for individuals would be below $100 for a five-day trip.

Kangwon Land, the operator of the only casino that allows locals to gamble is said to be one of the strongest opponents to the plan.

Latest Intelligence

Latest issue

PATA CEO sees slow recovery, but optimism for future

AGB Podcasts