The Korea Racing Authority (KRA) announced Thursday it will run a concentrated enforcement campaign against illegal horse-racing activities through Sept. 27, aiming to prevent law-abiding customers from being drawn into illegal gambling and to stop the spread of new forms of race-related illegal operations.
As electronic ticketing has expanded and mobile technology has advanced, illegal horse-racing activity has been migrating from physical venues to online platforms. In the process, new hybrid operations have emerged — most notably so-called "cafe-style betting rooms" that combine an offline space with online wagering.
The crackdown will focus on PC bangs and other venues in high-risk areas where illegal gambling and race-related offenses occur frequently, with authorities conducting on-site inspections and close surveillance.
Under the Korea Racing Authority Act, anyone other than the KRA who conducts horse racing, streams race footage without authorization, or brokers or arranges the purchase of betting tickets for profit faces up to seven years in prison or a fine of up to 70 million won ($49,500). Customers who purchase tickets through illegal private operators face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won, while those who promote illegal private horse racing face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won.
"As online activity grows and illegal gambling methods become more sophisticated, vulnerable groups face increasing risk of exposure," a KRA official said. "We will do our utmost to stamp out the spread of new illegal operations such as cafe-style betting rooms and to foster a healthy horse-racing culture that protects users."
Meanwhile, illegal horse-racing activity can be reported through the KRA's illegal racing hotline at 080-8282-112, by email at kra8282112@kra.co.kr, through the online reporting portal on the KRA website, or via the KakaoTalk channel "Korea Racing Authority Illegal Horse Racing Report." Informants' identities will be strictly protected, and reward payments of up to 500 million won are available.
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