South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced plans to introduce a new regulatory framework for online sports betting, aiming to legalize and control this growing market segment. The ministry’s proposal envisions licensed operators offering sports betting services via official online platforms, creating a regulated environment to replace the current illegal gambling channels. The initiative is intended to curb widespread illegal sports gambling activity and increase government earnings from betting revenues. While key details on licensing criteria, operational requirements, and user protections have yet to be finalized, the ministry expects the service to be operational by 2027. The government’s plan marks a significant shift in South Korea’s gambling regulation landscape, reflecting broader trends toward legalizing and managing betting markets under state oversight.