By Kim Hyun-bin
Police are intensifying efforts to tackle a concerning rise in the number of teens caught gambling, with data revealing a disturbing trend of adolescents turning to violence and loans to fuel their habits.
According to a report released by the Korean National Police Agency (NPA), Friday, the number of juvenile offenders investigated for gambling last year surged to 171, marking a significant increase from the 74 cases reported in 2022. Shockingly, the average age of these offenders was just 16.1, indicating a troubling trend of younger individuals engaging in gambling, which is illegal in Korea.
The report highlighted that while high school students accounted for a larger portion of the offenders compared to middle school students, the overall trend showed a consistent decline in the average age of those caught gambling over the past five years.
Cyber gambling, particularly games like baccarat and sports betting which offer a quick turnaround, was identified as the most prevalent form of gambling among youth, constituting 84.8 percent of cases. Furthermore, PC rooms emerged as the primary gambling venue, with 56.7 percent of incidents occurring in such establishments.
Notably, the report underscored a growing concern of secondary crimes associated with youth gambling, including instances of school violence and illicit activities such as internet fraud and proxy deposits. Proxy deposits involve the circulation of funds at high interest rates to obtain quick cash, often targeting vulnerable youth.
In response to these alarming trends, the police agency announced plans to launch a crackdown on youth gambling starting in May. Additionally, educational materials will be developed and distributed to raise awareness among students, parents and educators.
“Illegal online gambling, facilitated by smartphones, poses a grave threat to the future of our youth. We are committed to employing enhanced police measures to prevent recidivism and safeguard our youth from gambling addiction.” NPA Commissioner General Yoon Hee-keun said.
