South Korea’s National Gambling Control Commission Gets New Chairman 

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Choi Byung-hwan has taken over as chairman of South Korea’s National Gambling Control Commission.

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Key Takeaways:
  • New chairman aims to promote healthy gambling development
  • Focus on safeguarding consumers from negative effects
  • Tighter scrutiny of Kangwon Land’s casino operations expected

According to GGRAsia, a ceremony on Tuesday marked the appointment of the former deputy minister, who is one of 11 commission members named by the prime minister’s office.

Consumer Protection Front and Center

The commission said Choi will help steer the “healthy development” of the country’s gambling sector. In remarks quoted by local media, he said the agency would strengthen consumer protection so citizens are shielded from the “negative side effects” of gambling.

That message lands at a sensitive moment for South Korea’s casino market. The Korea Casino Association lists 17 registered casinos, but only Kangwon Land is allowed to admit local players. This was announced in September 2025 alongside an expansion to the casino floor and the installation of foreign exchange machines. 

Korea and Tourism

Kangwon Land’s dominant position has long shaped debate over gambling policy, especially as officials weigh the social costs of local access. 

The foreign-only casino market however saw a significant growth ahead of Chinese New Year following a flurry of flight cancellations between China and Japan. 

Inside Asian Gaming late last year showed more than 1,000 people entered Kangwon Land’s casino over 100 times in the previous year, underscoring concern over repeat play.