Casino Culture of Korea: Gambling in Movies and TV Shows

From the dawn of man and modern civilization, people have enjoyed playing different games with each other. It started with bones and wooden items and evolved to dice and cards, and soon, gambling and betting on the outcome of those games appeared. It was not important if they were the ones playing it or others, and they were the audience. Something deep within us caused gambling to skyrocket and be present in all corners of the globe. In most cultures across the world, this was prevalent and enjoyed by both the rich and the poor at different times in history. With modern gambling games and sports betting arising, things were never the same, and in modern entertainment, these activities have a big role.

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No longer are they just games and establishments to play them; they are part of the culture and tradition from West to East. In this article, we focus on the East, mainly the technologically advanced country of Korea, and take a look at its connection with casinos and gambling. In addition to this, we explore the most memorable and best movies that feature casinos and gambling as the central part of the plot or a device used in a few scenes. Casinos and games like poker, roulette, baccarat, and others are frequent sites in cinematography worldwide, and it is not a new trend, but something that has been going on for decades. If you enjoy gambling and utilizing modern technologies to do it, a crypto casino platform is where you should be. Keep on reading, as you will get a chance to learn about some of the best that Korean cinema has to offer for your favorite hobby.

Online Gambling Situation in Korea

Like in many areas of the world, gambling in Korea is a huge topic of conversation, with millions of people wanting to do it frequently. But can they? Is it legal, and what is the overall situation with this activity? How does the Korean public and culture view casinos and gambling on the whole? Right off the bat, we must say that South Korea's gambling laws are quite stringent. Most of the casinos in the country are restricted to foreign visitors, i.e., tourists, with the exception of Kangwon Land in Gangwon Province. It is the online place where Korean citizens are permitted to gamble. Similarly, online gambling is completely banned for the residents, including online casino games, sports betting, and other forms of wagering digitally.

The government has implemented measures to block access to illegal websites, and violators can face hefty fines and even imprisonment. Despite this, there has been a surge in illegal online gambling in the country in the last several years. Cases tripled from 2019 to 2023, from around 13000 to almost 40000, with some reports suggesting that online gambling accounts for more than 80% of all illegal gambling in Korea. The value of this market jumped 26% from 2016 to 2022 and continues to grow. This has led the government to think about new regulations and laws that would somewhat legalize the activity. Online casino games like slots and roulette are very popular among the younger, tech-savvy generations, who make up a large portion of illegal gamblers.

When it comes to legal gambling, international operators regularly face challenges. While the country maintains a strict legal framework against online gambling for its residents, and the prevalence of illegal wagering is escalating, something needs to give. Efforts to combat the issue are not enough, and counseling services for affected individuals are not doing their intended. The effectiveness of the measures is not promising, and it seems that some type of legalization is on the horizon for Korea. The interest is there, especially for modern games like megaways slots, and it has been for decades, evident by its popularity in pop culture and media. In the following paragraphs, there will be an overview of some of the most popular movies and TV shows that deal with the themes of casinos and gambling.

Korean Movies and TV Shows with Gambling Themes

"Tazza: The High Rollers" (2006)

"Tazza: The High Rollers" is one of Korea's most iconic gambling films. It is based on the popular manhwa (Korean comic, like manga) by Huh Young-man and Kim Se-yeong. The story's protaGo-nist is Go-ni, a man who loses all his savings in a rigged match of Hwatu, a popular and traditional Korean card game. He descends into the dark underground world of professional gambling to seek revenge and redemption. Along the way, Go-ni trains under a legendary swindler and becomes immersed in a life where deceit, betrayal, and high-stakes games are the daily norm. The movie is directed by Choi Dong-hoon and reflects his recognizable style of a gritty yet slick portrayal of ambition and the cost of chasing fortune. The movie is a cult classic, and it remains a massive hit in Korea, a classic that everyone should see.

"Tazza: The Hidden Card" (2014)

This movie is a spiritual successor to the original Tazza, but "Tazza: The Hidden Card" introduces a new lead character, Ham Dae-gil. He is quickly revealed to be the nephew of the original protaGo-nist, Go-ni, and is played by the popular T.O.P from the K-pop group Big Bang. Dae-gil is a naturally gifted gambler who moves to Seoul to make a name for himself in the treacherous card world. He soon becomes entangled in a web of deceit involving dangerous players, femme fatales, and deadly stakes. The movie maintains the sleek and stylized aesthetic of the original, which it tries to live up to while bringing a more modern energy and flair. Although it is slightly heavier on the action and more flashy, it keeps the core tropes of risk, betrayal, and the seductive pull of gambling. It is a worthy watch if you enjoyed the original.

"Tazza: One Eyed Jack" (2019)

The third installment in the Tazza film series shifts the focus to poker and a wider team-based narrative. The story of this one follows Do Il-chool, a talented poker player recruited by the legendary swindler known as "One-Eyed Jack". He is forming a crew of con artists and wants Do on his side.  And what is their mission? To pull off an elaborate and dangerous gambling heist against some of the most ruthless players in Korea. The movie manages to somewhat retain the intense competition and flashy style of the two predecessors, but One Eyed Jack dives deeper into character dynamics and ensemble storytelling. It explores themes of loyalty, deception, and survival in a world where everyone is trying to out-bluff each other. For the fans of loosely tied trilogies, it makes sense to finish it off and watch it.

"Big Bet" (2022–2023)

Casino, also known as "Big Bet", is a gripping crime drama series that takes place in high-stakes casinos in the Philippines. It stars the legendary Choi Min-sik ("Oldboy") as Cha Moo-sik, a Korean man who rises from humble beginnings and becomes a powerful casino mogul overseas. However, his empire begins to crumble when he becomes a suspect in a murder case that draws a lot of attention from Korean law enforcement. The series explores themes of power, identity, and survival while showcasing the brutal reality behind the glamorous façade of casinos that is so often the theme of gambling-related media. The show is gritty, intense, and rooted in real-world undertones that will make you second-guess the seemingly lavish and fabulous world of high-end casino resorts. "Big Bet" truly offers a mature and nuanced look into the darker side of gambling empires.

"All In" (2003)

"All In" is a classic early 2000s K-drama that combines romance, crime, and high-stakes gambling into one sweeping narrative. It is loosely inspired by the life of a real Korean poker player. The story follows Kim In-ha (played by Lee Byung-hun), an orphan who grows up to become a professional gambler after surviving a troubled youth and time in prison. The journey of the protaGo-nist takes him from underground gambling dens to the glamorous casino floors of Las Vegas and Jeju Island. At its core, "All In" is not just about cards and bets but love, ambition, and personal transformation. The drama was a massive success during its run, and it helped popularize both Lee Byung-hun and the theme of gambling in Korean television that remains to this day.

"The Player" (2018 & 2024)

More than a decade after "All In" aired, Player appeared to satisfy the hunger of the fans of high-stakes, dangerous gambling topics. 2 seasons "The Player" and "The Player 2: Master of Swindlers" (also known as Player 2: War of Gamblers), it is an action-crime drama with a stylish edge that focuses on a team of four skilled individuals who take down corrupt elites through elaborate cons. While not a traditional gambling story of casinos and games, it taps into similar themes like high-risk strategies, cons, and the psychology of bluffing. The team consists of a con artist, a hacker, a fighter, and a getaway driver. They work together under the guidance of a prosecutor to recover stolen wealth from white-collar criminals. The show's fast pace, sharp dialogue, and elaborate schemes give it the feel of a heist or high-stakes poker match, making it appealing to the fans of gambling thrillers.

Korea and Gambling FAQ

1. Is gambling legal in South Korea?

Yes and no. Gambling is mostly illegal for South Korean citizens, but there are a few legal exceptions. They include certain government-operated lotteries, horse racing, cycling, boat racing, and one casino, the popular Kangwon Land, where locals are allowed to gamble.

2. Can South Koreans go to casinos?

There are 17 casinos in South Korea, but only one, Kangwon Land, is open to locals. The rest are strictly for foreign passport holders. Locals caught gambling in foreigner-only casinos can face legal consequences.

3. What is Kangwon Land, and why is it special?

Kangwon Land is the only casino in South Korea where citizens are legally allowed to gamble. It is located in a remote mining town in Jeongseon County and was originally opened to help stimulate the local economy. The trip there is not fun, but many make it in order to play their favorite games.

4. Are South Koreans allowed to gamble abroad?

Technically, they are not. Under the "habitual overseas gambler" law, Koreans can be prosecuted for gambling abroad even in countries where it is perfectly legal for everyone, if they are considered to be doing it regularly or excessively.

5. Is sports betting legal in Korea?

Yes, but only through the official government-run platform called Sports Toto. However, it is all very tightly regulated and limited to certain types of bets, primarily on domestic sports and some international events.

6. What is the online gambling situation in Korea?

Online gambling is strictly illegal for both domestic and international platforms. The government actively blocks access to gambling websites and monitors illegal betting activities. However, underground markets and VPN usage are available, and they are very popular alternatives.

7. What is Sports Toto?

Sports Toto is the legal sports betting service in South Korea operated by the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation. It offers limited betting options on soccer (football), baseball, and basketball, and is aimed at funding public sports projects.

8. How severe are the penalties for illegal gambling?

Penalties vary across the country. A first-time offense might result in a fine, while repeat or large-scale illegal gambling can lead to jail time of up to 3 years. Organized or habitual gambling carries heavier consequences each time.

9. Are there any legal lotteries in Korea?

Yes, there are. South Korea has a national lottery system called Lotto, as well as scratch cards and other instant-win games. These are widely accepted and commonly played across the country by people of all ages.

10. How do attitudes toward gambling differ culturally in Korea?

Gambling is culturally frowned upon in many parts of Korean society. It is often associated with addiction, criminal activity, and dishonor. That is one of the reasons why the laws are strict and enforcement is strong, despite demand. However, younger generations are changing this attitude and the government's view on gambling as an industry.