South Korea

South Korean casino operator Paradise Co continued its strong momentum in May 2026, reporting significant growth in gaming revenue across its properties. The company benefited from higher spending by casino patrons, with both table games and machine gaming delivering solid year-on-year gains. Total casino revenue reached nearly KRW99 billion (US$65.1 million), supported by a substantial rise in table drop volumes.

South Korea’s casino industry witnessed a notable transformation with the reopening of a rebranded gaming venue in Jeju under new ownership. The transition, involving a structured divestment and operational transfer, reflects evolving strategies among regional gaming operators. The deal enabled the seller to exit the casino segment while retaining property assets, and allowed the buyer to expand its footprint in a key tourism hub. With operational upgrades, workforce retention, and strategic positioning near a major airport, the relaunched casino aims to capture renewed demand.

South Korea operates one of the most distinctive casino regulatory frameworks in the world, permitting gambling for foreign visitors while largely prohibiting it for its own citizens. This dual-system model reflects a deliberate policy balance between economic gains from tourism and strict social safeguards. With only one exception allowing local participation, the industry is tightly regulated through licensing, taxation, and oversight mechanisms. Casinos contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings and employment, yet remain politically sensitive.

South Korea’s gaming industry has witnessed a notable development with the reopening of a casino at Jeju Sun Hotel under the newly established “Blue One Casino” brand. The relaunch follows a structured acquisition by Blue One Ltd, involving a corporate demerger and asset transfer from Bloomberry Resorts Corp. Positioned in Jeju, a key tourism hub, the property is expected to strengthen the region’s gaming and hospitality appeal.

A major transformation has taken place in South Korea’s gaming sector with the reopening of a prominent casino at Jeju Sun Hotel under the new brand “Blue One Casino.” The relaunch follows a strategic acquisition by Blue One Ltd, marking a significant ownership transition from a previous operator. Structured through a corporate demerger and subsequent acquisition, the deal reflects broader consolidation trends in Asia’s gaming industry. 

A tragic incident at South Korea’s Kangwon Land Casino has drawn attention to workplace safety within the country’s gaming and hospitality industry. An employee reportedly collapsed while on duty inside the casino’s operational area on March 11 and later died after being transported to a hospital. The cause of death remains undetermined, and authorities have initiated a formal investigation. The incident was promptly reported to labor regulators, who are expected to conduct an on-site inspection.

Kangwon Land, the only casino resort in South Korea where local citizens are permitted to gamble, has begun a large-scale renovation project aimed at transforming its hospitality and gaming infrastructure. The initiative represents an investment of approximately Rs. 1,130 crore and focuses on upgrading hotel facilities and enhancing the overall resort eexperience

South Korea operates one of the most unusual casino systems in the world. Most casinos in the country are restricted to foreign passport holders, while local citizens are largely prohibited from gambling in them.

Out of the country’s casinos, only one permits entry to Korean nationals:

Gangwon Land

This dual system reflects a policy compromise — encouraging tourism revenue while limiting domestic gambling participation.

Foreign-Only Casino Framework

The majority of South Korea’s casinos operate under a foreigner-only model. Key operators include:

South Korea’s president has raised fresh questions about the country’s private-sector casino licensing framework during a recent policy briefing, signaling a potential shift in how the government approaches gaming regulation. The remarks reflect growing concern over whether existing rules strike the right balance between economic development, foreign investment, and social safeguards. As competition intensifies across Asia’s gaming hubs, policymakers are reassessing whether tightly controlled licensing continues to serve national interests.

Paradise Co, South Korea’s largest foreigner-only casino operator, delivered a robust performance in November, posting a 12 percent year-on-year increase in casino revenue. The company reported turnover equivalent to US$55 million (approximately Rs. … crore), reflecting sustained demand from international visitors and a gradual recovery in the country’s gaming and tourism ecosystem. The latest figures signal continued operational stability across its key properties, supported by improved table and machine gaming activity.