South Korea’s police and judiciary have launched a fresh assault on youth gambling, with a new amnesty period for teens with betting addictions, and harsher punishments for illegal betting operators that target young people.
In December last year, police in South Gyeongsang Province launched an amnesty period, telling young residents they could turn themselves in and receive lighter punishments or cautions for their crimes.
When the amnesty ended, on February 28, police reported their campaign was a success. Six teenagers came forward to make confessions.
Now, per the South Korean media outlet Newsis, the same police force wants to try again.
The force has invited under-19s living in the province to come forward before June 30.
In addition to lenient sentencing, police said young people struggling with online gambling addiction will also be offered “treatment that focuses on recovery and guidance.”
This time, police said they also want to hear from parents and carers who think their children have developed gambling habits.
South Korean Amnesty: Gambling Addiction Help ‘Is at Hand’
Officers said experts from the Gyeongbuk Gambling Problem Prevention and Treatment Center will provide special sessions.
Police said those who attend the sessions could be “dismissed with a warning” or transferred to summary courts if their crimes are judged to be minor.
In South Korea, summary courts handle minor offenses. They often hand out very small fines as punishment. Crucially, summary court cases do not appear on citizens’ criminal records.
Even repeat offenders could receive clemency if they come forward during the amnesty period, police said.
Police explained that anyone coming forward during this time could receive a letter from the School Police Officer’s department.
This department has the power to ask courts for clemency in cases where it believes gambling offenders have reformed.
“This amnesty period will provide young online gambling addicts with an opportunity to learn about the harmful effects of gambling,” said a spokesperson. “This is their chance to return to a healthy daily life. The guidance programs provided by the police and specialized agencies will be of great help.”
“We ask young people to make the courageous decision to come forward,” the spokesperson concluded. “We will help them overcome their struggles with online gambling addiction.”
Courts Unveil Tougher Sentencing Plans
Meanwhile, the judiciary says it wants to beef up the standards courts use to punish gambling operators that target minors.
This will see courts advised to dish out longer jail sentences, the South Korean media outlet Money Today reported.
The Supreme Court’s Sentencing Commission said its members have approved new sentencing guidelines that will come into effect on July 1.
While the guidelines do not carry the same weight as legislation, the fact that the highest court in the land issued them makes them highly significant for lower courts.
The Sentencing Commission said it had raised sentencing guidelines to “reflect the harmful effects of illegal gambling targeting minors.”
Unlicensed casino operators can now expect to receive jail sentences of between 10 months and two years imprisonment in “general cases.”
For more serious offenses, the commission recommended jail terms of 18 months to 4 years.
New Money Laundering Rules
The commission also announced new guidelines for other forms of gambling violations, money laundering, and financial crimes.
Furthermore, the same commission also advised courts to disregard “surprise deposits” when deliberating gambling-related scams and other forms of investment fraud.
In such cases, suspects have sent victims unsolicited “refunds” during criminal proceedings in an effort to win the court’s favor.
Earlier this month, the South Korean casino operator Lotte Tour Development reported March sales rising above the 50 billion won ($33 million) mark for the first time in its history.
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