South Korean Police Launch New Amnesty Program for Teen Gambling Offenses

(AsiaGameHub) –   Authorities in South Korea have launched a new initiative to combat underage gambling, introducing a fresh amnesty period for addicted youth and implementing stricter penalties for illegal operators who target minors.

Last December, the South Gyeongsang Provincial Police initiated a similar amnesty, encouraging young residents to surrender voluntarily in exchange for cautions or reduced punishments.

Following the conclusion of that program on February 28, officials declared it a success, noting that six teenagers had come forward to confess.

According to reports from the local news agency Newsis, the same police department has decided to renew the initiative.

Residents under the age of 19 within the province are encouraged to report themselves to the authorities before the June 30 deadline.

In addition to the possibility of lenient sentencing, police confirmed that youth struggling with online betting will be provided with “guidance and recovery-focused treatment.”

This phase of the program also invites parents and guardians to contact the police if they suspect their children have developed gambling habits.

South Korean Amnesty: Support for Gambling Addiction is Available

Officials stated that specialists from the Gyeongbuk Gambling Problem Prevention and Treatment Center will conduct dedicated sessions for those who come forward.

Police noted that participants might be “dismissed with a warning” or referred to summary courts if their infractions are considered minor.

In the South Korean legal system, summary courts oversee minor offenses and typically issue small fines. Notably, these cases do not result in a permanent criminal record for the individual.

Authorities added that even individuals with prior offenses could be granted clemency if they take advantage of the amnesty period.

Those who surrender during this window may also receive a formal letter from the School Police Officer’s department.

This specific department has the authority to petition the judiciary for leniency in instances where they believe a gambling offender has shown genuine reform.

“This amnesty offers young people addicted to online gambling a chance to understand the risks involved,” a spokesperson commented. “It is an opportunity for them to return to a normal, healthy life. The support programs offered by the police and specialized agencies will be highly beneficial.”

“We urge young people to make the brave choice to come forward,” the spokesperson added. “We are here to help them move past their struggles with online gambling.”

Judiciary Introduces Stricter Sentencing Guidelines

At the same time, the judicial branch is moving to strengthen the standards used to penalize gambling operators who exploit minors.

As reported by Money Today, courts are being advised to issue longer prison sentences for these crimes.

The Sentencing Commission of the Supreme Court has approved updated guidelines that are set to take effect on July 1.

While these guidelines are not legally binding in the same way as statutes, they carry significant weight and are highly influential for lower court rulings.

The commission explained that the increased sentencing standards are intended to “address the damaging impact of illegal gambling that targets the youth.”

Under these new rules, operators of unlicensed casinos can expect prison terms ranging from 10 months to two years in standard cases.

For more aggravated offenses, the commission has recommended jail sentences between 18 months and four years.

Updated Rules for Financial Crimes and Money Laundering

The commission also revealed new protocols for other gambling-related violations, financial crimes, and money laundering.

Furthermore, the body advised the judiciary to ignore “surprise deposits” when evaluating cases of investment fraud or gambling scams.

This refers to instances where suspects send unsolicited “refunds” to victims during a trial in an attempt to gain the court’s sympathy and a lighter sentence.

In separate news, the South Korean casino firm Lotte Tour Development announced that its sales for March exceeded 50 billion won ($33 million) for the first time in the company’s history.