South Korea considers Esports Toto as betting industry eyes legal reform

South Korea’s esports industry is pushing for a major shift in the nation’s betting laws, with calls for lawmakers to approve an ‘Esports Toto’ system that would allow regulated tote-style betting on professional esports matches.

This proposal, championed by the Korea e-Sports Association, comes as the country’s esports scene continues to thrive and seeks new funding streams to support sustainable growth.

Sports betting in South Korea is tightly regulated. The only legal option for most citizens is Sports Toto, a government-run pool betting system covering soccer, baseball, volleyball, golf and basketball

Players over 20 can buy tickets at convenience stores, with a maximum stake of KRW 100,000 (£54.17) per ticket. The system pools stakes and awards prizes to those with the most correct predictions.

Esports, despite its immense popularity in Korea, remains excluded from Sports Toto. Previous efforts to introduce esports betting were rejected by the government in 2024, citing concerns over youth gambling and social risks.

However, the Democratic Party, which holds a majority in the National Assembly and leads in presidential polls, is now being lobbied to reconsider.

The Democratic Party has made pro-business pledges in the IT sector, and industry insiders believe the timing may be right for change.

According to media outlet Inven, the Korea e-Sports Association believes that esports now meets the criteria of a “modern professional sport,” with global leagues and club systems.

It proposes a gradual rollout of Esports Toto, starting with a controlled pilot project for select pro league matches. The association points to the potential for stable funding, public investment, and increased international competitiveness for Korean esports teams.

However, significant obstacles remain. South Korea is battling a youth gambling epidemic, and any expansion of legal betting would require a revision to the Enforcement Decree of the Sports Promotion Voting Rights Act.

Lawmakers are also wary of the social impact, given the country’s cultural emphasis on discipline and responsible gambling.

Despite legal barriers, esports betting is already popular in Korea, with many residents using offshore platforms or betting on international sites. The market is seeing minimal but steady growth, with increased demand for responsible gambling measures such as self-exclusion and age verification.

The outcome of the Esports Toto proposal remains uncertain. If approved, it could provide a new revenue stream for the industry and set a precedent for regulated esports betting in East Asia.

For now, the esports sector, lawmakers, and regulators are closely watching the political process, as South Korea weighs the balance between industry growth and social responsibility.