South Korean community group urges government to lift Kangwon Land caps
Regulation1 min read
A community group representing four areas in Gangwon Province has urged South Korea’s government to remove or raise Kangwon Land’s revenue cap and ease visitation restrictions. The group argued that the limits weaken the casino’s ability to compete ahead of MGM Osaka’s scheduled 2030 opening; South Korean residents may visit Kangwon Land 15 times a month, and those exceeding 60 days a year must complete responsible-gambling education.
Revenue and visitation restrictions at Kangwon Land should be removed to help counter the threat of MGM Osaka's 2030 launch, according to the Joint Committee for the Revitalization of Gohan, Sabuk, Nam-myeon and Sindong. In a statement reported by Yonhap News Agency, the committee urged the government to scrap or substantially raise the casino's total revenue cap.
The Joint Committee described limits on visits and operational constraints as outdated. It argued that making legal casinos more competitive would capture domestic demand and help protect citizens' assets and prevent losses to the national treasury from money flowing into illegal gambling. It also said overlapping regulations enforced by several government bodies hinder integrated-resort development and investment in new ventures.
Kangwon Land and 17 foreigner-only casinos nationwide make up Korea's casino industry. Japanese citizens, a key source market for Korea, will be able to enter Japan's first integrated resort.