*This content was translated by AI.
Opinions are gaining attention that strengthening school sports can prevent the spread of illegal gambling among youth.
Sports Forum 21 held a seminar titled "The Crisis of Youth Spread of Illegal Gambling and the Responsibility of Sports (Vol.2)" on the 24th at the 3rd Seminar Room of the National Assembly Members' Hall, in collaboration with Jeon Yong-gi (Rep.) and the Korea Sports Journalists Association.
The seminar confirmed through statistics that illegal gambling among youth is increasing significantly each year. According to 2025 data from the Integrated Supervisory Committee for Gambling Industries, the total illegal gambling market is estimated at 96 trillion won, with 4% of all youth participating in illegal gambling. Police data also show a sharp rise in youth illegal gambling cases. In 2024, there were 478 criminal cases and guidance review committee dispositions related to youth illegal gambling, but in 2025, this number surged to 777, marking a 62% explosive increase.
Lee Jin-sik, Secretary-General of the Integrated Supervisory Committee for Gambling Industries, said, "Youth illegal gambling is an extremely serious issue. It is not just the sports community but also the education, welfare, and Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, as well as society as a whole, must take action. Statistics indicate that if one youth becomes involved in illegal gambling, the social cost can reach 2 trillion won."
The seminar's key focus, "Solutions for Preventing Youth Illegal Gambling through Sports," gained support for the argument that solutions must be found within school sports. The proposal is to strengthen school sports and after-school programs, activate sports and arts areas, and establish a primary defense system targeting all students. The opinion is that if students can gain a sense of achievement and focus their interests through sports and arts, it could become one of the most effective methods to address youth illegal gambling.
Kim Dong-hwan, Professor Emeritus at Hanyang University, who delivered the keynote speech, stated, "I believe the fastest way to prevent youth illegal gambling is to fully utilize and strengthen the existing school system. If the importance of physical education is further emphasized in school education, the preventive effect against youth illegal gambling will be even greater."
Ha Dong-jin, Chief of the Women and Youth Division at the Seoul National Police Agency, said, "Youth illegal gambling is becoming a social issue because it leads to secondary crimes related to participating in illegal gambling. Today's youth belong to the 3S (Short, Speed, Simple) generation. Therefore, not only preventive education but optimal countermeasures are needed in all fields. Especially, today's youth are sensitive to profits or rewards. There must be tangible rewards when students engage in sports activities at school. If sports can help with admission to higher education institutions, the effect would be sufficient."
Chae Jun, Executive Director of Sports Forum 21, said, "The solution in the sports field regarding the youth illegal gambling problem should draw hints from the U.S. case. In the U.S., each school actively operates various sports teams. If a student serves as a team captain, they receive additional bonus points for admission to higher education institutions. The additional leadership points play a decisive role in admission outcomes."
<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>
*This content was translated by AI.
