Jeju Island faces serious teen gambling problem

Teenagers on Jeju Island are in danger of gambling addiction. Yonhap

By Jung Hae-myoung

Jeju Island is facing a teen gambling problem, according to a new survey.

The Korea Center on Gambling Problems (KCGP) said Monday that 11.9 percent of high school students and 5.4 percent of middle school students on the island are at high risk of gambling addiction.

It surveyed 671 middle and 328 high school students and ranked them from low to high risk.

One teenager, receiving a therapy, was quoted as saying he had lost 10 million won on sports betting and other gambling and stole money from friends and parents after spending all his money.

The center, established in December 2017, offers therapy sessions, stages campaigns and conducts other anti-teen gambling efforts.