South Korean Residents Express Concerns Over Casino IndustryCountry Has A Unique Gaming Environment |
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Jeju has become a bit like the Macau of South Korea. As with Macau in China, the island of 634,000 off the country’s southern coast is one of the few places in the country where casino gambling is allowed – and that only goes for foreigners.
The island boasts several casinos catering solely to non-Koreans as most casino gambling, even while out of the country, is considered illegal for South Korean citizens. And now a majority of islanders seem to have their doubts about the industry in their own backyard.
A recent survey found that 50% of Jeju residents believed the casinos had caused an increase in crime and 51% believed there should be stronger regulation for the industry.
An Interesting Casino Environment
Jeju has become an Asian casino hotspot in recent years. Even the World Poker Tour has begun hosting events at the Jeju Shinhwa World casino, with the next event set for March 28. Triton Poker has also held high roller events on Jeju as well.
The island’s casinos have catered to wealthy Chinese gamblers. But unlike in Macau, Korean citizens can’t gamble in the properties. The country allows sports betting, lottery, and betting on horse races, but those looking to wager at a casino are given only one option – the Kangwon Land Casino, located about 90 miles from Seoul.
The Jeju properties are off limits to South Korean gamblers. At the same time, the Korean government has worked to cater to well-heeled foreigners and grow the industry on the island.
Mixed Feelings Among Locals
The island’s casinos are owned and operated by the provincial government, and the recent survey notes that not all Jeju residents are fond of the properties.
The report found that 52% of respondents said the casinos had a negative effect on the environment by “creating waste, noise pollution and traffic congestion,” according to the Korean Times. Another 55% believed the industry had a negative effect on teenagers and the educational environment.
Despite some of those feelings, the survey also found that many recognized the casinos’ importance to the island’s economy. About 40% believe the gaming properties bring in more foreign travelers, adding to overall tourist dollars flowing into the economy. Also, about 34% believe the casinos help create jobs for those on the island.
While Jeju continues to see growth, Macau recently regained its perch as the world’s top gaming destination, about twice the size of Las Vegas.
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