- The Act bans 'similar acts' of issuing betting slips resembling the official sports lottery and paying winners. Running a private sports betting site falls under this.
- Operators face up to 7 years' imprisonment or a KRW 70 million fine, and users up to 5 years or KRW 50 million, heavier than Criminal Act gambling offenses.
- Building or supplying the system, and advertising or brokering, are each separately punished.
Applicable laws and penalties
National Sports Promotion Act Art. 47National Sports Promotion Act Art. 48National Sports Promotion Act Art. 49National Sports Promotion Act Art. 48(3)In detail
What is a 'similar act'?
Anyone other than the official operator issuing sports betting slips (including online) and paying winners.
Different penalties by role
Running a site (Art. 47), building or supplying the system (Art. 48), and providing match information, advertising or brokering (Art. 49) carry different penalties.
Using overseas sites
The Supreme Court held that betting from Korea on an overseas sports betting site can be punished under Article 48(3), even if it is run abroad by foreigners (2022Do6462).
Confiscation
Article 51 makes proceeds of operators and system providers subject to confiscation. Distributors and operators often dispute the amount based on what they actually received.
Frequently asked questions
Does it apply to casino or slot sites?
The Act covers betting on sports results. Casino or slot-only sites are mainly covered by Criminal Act Article 247; mixed sites are reviewed under both. First check which law you were booked under.
Can Article 47 apply if I only advertised?
Simple advertising falls under Article 49, but if you shared profits and took part in running the site, Article 47 may apply. It carries up to 7 years, so explaining your role properly is important.
The same role can lead to different charges and outcomes depending on the facts. For your specific case, speak with a lawyer.