South Korea may postpone plans to revise its casino regulations until later this year as authorities continue discussions with operators over the proposed changes.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism had initially aimed to introduce the proposed amendment to the Tourism Promotion Act in September, according to South Korean casino industry sources approached by GGRAsia and a report by local outlet Money Today Network (MTN).
The amendment would raise the maximum contribution rate to the Tourism Promotion and Development Fund from 10% to 15% of annual gross gaming revenue (GGR) and introduce a five-year licence renewal system.
However, the original September timetable faces potential delays from the Chuseok holiday, which will take place from September 24 to 27, as well as the National Assembly’s annual audit of government agencies from October 6 to 27.
“We are listening to the industry’s views and continuing to hold meetings with individual operators,” a ministry official told MTN. “We originally aimed to propose [the amendment] earlier, but it has been delayed to allow further industry consultation and internal review. We are aiming to submit the amendment later this year.”
The ministry is also considering transitional arrangements for casino operators that received their licences relatively recently.
The office of Representative Cho Gye-won, who has been leading efforts to advance the amendment, said it had yet to receive a draft from the ministry because the proposal was still under review.
Shin Jong-ho, Secretary-General of the Korea Casino Association, said the higher contribution could discourage investment in gaming facilities and expansion.
The proposed 15% contribution would not apply to all casino revenue. Instead, the ministry plans to create a new higher revenue band, with only revenue above a threshold that has yet to be determined subject to the increased rate.
The ministry has defended the reforms as necessary to modernise a regulatory framework that has remained largely unchanged for about 30 years. Under the proposed licence system, operators would be assessed every five years on areas such as compliance with regulations, financial stability, and management capabilities.
Casino and tourism industry representatives have called for the proposals to be withdrawn, warning that higher contributions and five-year licence renewals could deter long-term investment, threaten employment, and weaken South Korea’s competitiveness against other regional casino markets.