Web Developers in South Korea Warned of Prison for Creating iGaming Websites
Following the takedown of the major criminal organization “Jinseongpa”, Seoul police have officially warned local web developers that creating online casino platforms is a criminal offense with unavoidable consequences.
Building iGaming Websites Is a Crime — Even Without Profit
South Korean authorities have intensified their crackdown on online gambling, emphasizing that simply developing a gambling website — even without earning any profit—is considered a crime. The Supreme Court ruled that being involved in the creation of such platforms constitutes a criminal offense in itself.
According to a court ruling (2002. 4. 12., No. 2001Do5802), even if a developer or designer did not profit but acted with the intent to earn money, they are still in violation of the law. This is classified as the crime of “establishing a gambling venue” (도박개장죄).
Legal Penalties
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Creating a gambling website for profit | Up to 5 years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million KRW (~$21,700) |
| Casual gambling | Fine of up to 1 million KRW (~$720) |
| Habitual or organized gambling | Up to 3 years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million KRW (~$14,500) |
Criminal Group “Jinseongpa” and the Role of IT Specialists
“Jinseongpa” was a criminal organization operating since 1983. In July 2025, Seoul police dismantled the group and arrested all members. The organization ran online casinos, used fake SIM cards, and was involved in prostitution-related activities.
The investigation was notable for proving, for the first time, the organized and violent nature of the group’s operations, allowing prosecutors to apply laws against organized crime syndicates.
How Developers Get Involved
- Members were recruited from high schools in southwestern Seoul
- Developers were lured with promises of “earning opportunities”
- Young and inexperienced IT professionals were targeted for projects
Kim Seon-wook, an attorney at Hwimyung Law Firm, stressed that inexperienced developers can unknowingly become accomplices in criminal activity — especially those just starting their careers who fail to vet their clients or projects.
What Web Developers Should Keep in Mind
Any involvement in the creation or maintenance of gambling-related websites — including coding, design, or domain setup — can be treated as a criminal offense.
Whether or not you receive payment is irrelevant. Under South Korean law, the mere intention to earn money is enough for criminal prosecution.
Recommendations
- Always verify the purpose of a website before accepting a project
- Avoid anonymous clients or unclear project briefs
- Steer clear of any work related to casinos, betting, or adult entertainment
Conclusion
Online gambling is strictly prohibited in South Korea. Even basic involvement in a website’s development can result in a real prison sentence.
Web developers — especially newcomers — must exercise extreme caution when choosing which projects to take on.