Online Gambling Sites Mushrooming
By Michael Ha
Staff Reporter
A growing number of Korean Internet users are clicking their way onto online gambling sites, where virtual winnings can be cashed out with help of illegal money dealers, according to a news report.
In its latest edition, MBC TV's ``PD Notebook'' program said online gambling has become more than just fun and games. The report said there are increasing cases of gambling addictions found on the Web. These gambling sites can include online poker and blackjack along with a number of other card games.
The report cited cases of online gamblers losing their entire savings because of their addiction.
One troubling aspect of the virtual gambling is that they can be found alongside legal game sites. Gambling on the Web is illegal in Korea but policing the vast cyber world remains a challenging task. The program cited in particular `` Hangame,'' a popular Korean gaming site.
The program blamed illegal cyber-money dealers as the main culprit behind the proliferation of Internet gambling. Internet users can play online poker and other card games with cyber-money, which may be cashed later at virtual black markets operated by illegal dealers.
Government agencies have been working to nab illegal money dealers on the Web. One method the agencies use is offering compensation to Internet users who tip authorities about illegal money dealing for gambling purposes.
Online gaming sites command huge Web traffic in Korea. One major site boasts some 3 million unique visitors per day, according to the report.
Last month, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced a plan to boost its effort to monitor and stop illegal online gambling and find the cyber-money dealers.
Police are expected to assist the effort by dispatching hundreds of officers for the initiative, according to the ministry.