Managing Partner
Yu Ji-yeon
Drawing on her career as a prosecutor, she first examines how investigators see the case, then sets the direction of your statements.
Simpyeong Law Firm · Adult PC room & online gambling cases
Contacted by Korean police
over a gambling case?
Owners, distributors, staff, account holders and players face different charges in the same case. Find out what applies to your role and what to prepare before questioning.
If you are a foreign national
- A criminal conviction can affect visa extensions and changes of status of stay in Korea.
- A foreign national sentenced to imprisonment or heavier punishment may become subject to deportation (Immigration Act, Article 46).
- Ending the case at the investigation stage, for example with a suspension of indictment, matters most. Talk to a lawyer before your first police interview.
By document
Find your stage by the document you received
Police summonsThe police want to question you as a suspect or witness.Learn more →Bank notice / account freezeInvestigators have already obtained your account records.Learn more →Seizure listThe premises were raided and PCs, ledgers or phones were seized.Learn more →Arrest warrant requestVery little time remains before the detention hearing.Learn more →Indictment / summary orderSentencing and confiscation will be decided.Learn more →
By role
Penalties and defense by role
Whether you shared profits and what you knew decide whether you are treated as a co-principal or an accessory.
Owner / nominee owner
Providing unrated games or exchanging game results for cash is punishable by up to 5 years' imprisonment or a KRW 50 million fine under Article 44 of the Game Industry Promotion Act.
Max. imprisonment 5 years →
Distributor / sub-distributor
Adult PC room distributors often recruit shops, supply game software and settle profits, so they tend to be charged as co-principals in running the shops.
Max. imprisonment 7 years →
Staff / counter clerk
Staff who handled top-ups and cash exchange at the counter may be booked with the owner for violating the Game Industry Promotion Act or opening a gambling place.
Max. imprisonment 5 years →
Player / customer
Players who bet money at an adult PC room or gambling site face a fine of up to KRW 10 million under Article 246 of the Criminal Act. There is no prison term.
Max. imprisonment 5 years →
Lending a bank account
Lending a bank book, debit card or OTP device for a benefit (or a promised benefit) is punishable by up to 5 years' imprisonment or a KRW 30 million fine.
Max. imprisonment 5 years →
Promoter / recruiter
Spreading gambling site links or recruiting members for payment may lead to charges as an accomplice or accessory in running the site.
Max. imprisonment 5 years →
Statutory penalty
Key provisions and statutory penalties
National Sports Promotion Act Art. 47Running an unauthorized sports betting site
Up to 7 years' imprisonment or a fine up to KRW 70 million
Game Industry Promotion Act Art. 44(1)Providing unrated game content, exchanging game results for cash or brokering such exchange, or letting gambling take place
Up to 5 years' imprisonment or a fine up to KRW 50 million
Criminal Act Art. 247Opening a place or space for gambling (including online sites) for profit
Up to 5 years' imprisonment or a fine up to KRW 30 million
National Sports Promotion Act Art. 48(3)Betting on an illegal sports betting site
Up to 5 years' imprisonment or a fine up to KRW 50 million
Electronic Financial Transactions Act Art. 49Lending or handing over bank books, debit cards or OTP devices for a benefit
Up to 5 years' imprisonment or a fine up to KRW 30 million
National Sports Promotion Act Art. 49Advertising, brokering or providing match information for illegal sports betting
Up to 3 years' imprisonment or a fine up to KRW 30 million
Criminal Act Art. 246(2)Habitual gambling
Up to 3 years' imprisonment or a fine up to KRW 20 million
Game Industry Promotion Act Art. 45Operating without a permit or registration; providing content different from its rating
Up to 2 years' imprisonment or a fine up to KRW 20 million
Criminal Act Art. 246(1)Gambling (except temporary amusement)
Fine up to KRW 10 million
Investigation flow
How the investigation usually expands
- Raid / account tracingA raid, a report or tracing of deposit accounts starts the case.
- Analysis of seized itemsPCs, ledgers, phones and messenger logs are analyzed.
- Tracing accomplicesThe case expands to distributors, suppliers and account holders.
- QuestioningEach person is questioned by role; warrants may be requested.
- Referral / indictmentProsecutors decide charges and the amount to confiscate.
- Trial / confiscationSentence and confiscation are argued and decided in court.
Attorneys
Our lawyers
Managing Partner
Yoon Sung-il
He reviews account records and settlement data closely to pin down what the client actually did and received.
Attorney
Na Hyung-jun
He organizes the documents and response steps you need at each stage of the investigation.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does a fine leave a criminal record?
A fine is a criminal penalty and stays on your criminal record. A suspension of indictment is not a criminal penalty, so aim for it before indictment where possible. For foreign nationals, the outcome can also affect your stay in Korea.
I used an overseas sports betting site.
The Supreme Court held that betting from Korea on an overseas sports betting site can be punished under Article 48(3) of the National Sports Promotion Act (2022Do6462). This is heavier than ordinary gambling, so do not take it lightly. If you were contacted, consult right away.
How much will be confiscated?
The standard is the commission and profit you actually received, but investigators' figures are often inflated. Challenging the basis with deposit records and settlement data can change the amount. We start with analysis of your account records.
What if I ignore the summons?
Repeatedly refusing without good reason can lead to an arrest warrant. If you need time, a lawyer can reschedule and attend with you. If a date is set, contact us before it.
I sent my bank book to get a loan. Can I be punished?
If the loan promise is treated as a benefit you can be punished, but if messages show you were deceived there is room to dispute intent. The first statement decides much of the outcome. Do not delete messages and consult a lawyer before questioning.
Have a questioning date? Contact us before it.
Tell us your role, when and by which agency you were contacted, and what documents you received.
1644-9942Request a consultation