South Korea's GRAC escalates enforcement against illegal gaming in H1 2026

South Korea's Game Rating and Administration Committee (GRAC) significantly intensified its clampdown on unauthorised gambling and gaming venues during the first half of 2026, according to newly released data.

Field support from the regulator was provided in 248 separate operations targeting illegal PC cafés dedicated to gambling – a jump of 48 cases, or 24%, compared with the same period a year earlier. In parallel, the committee assisted with 1,220 enforcement matters through illegal game analysis, an increase of 194 cases (18.9%) year-on-year, reflecting the growing sophistication of illicit operators.

Police capacity-building also saw a sharp uptick. GRAC ran 54 training sessions on illegal game enforcement techniques for 1,049 officers, representing a rise of 591 participants – a 129% surge from H1 2025. These efforts followed an internal restructuring on 1 February designed to bolster user protection and post-market surveillance.

The regulator has also been following up on earlier infractions. After re-inspecting gambling PC cafés that had violated facility standards in the second half of 2025, GRAC requested local governments take administrative action against 109 businesses found to have committed repeat offences.

Another area of focus is unregistered internet computer game facilities operating inside hotel rooms. GRAC is working with PC café associations, major accommodation booking platforms, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to address this issue.

Systemic changes have also been introduced, including a three-strikes rule, interim assessments, and revised guidelines for the illegal game reporting reward programme. Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, GRAC plans to maintain public education and enforcement cooperation through online campaigns and joint promotional activities at the G-Star gaming exhibition.