A South Korean government ministry is facing resistance to its bid to enable local citizens to gamble aboard cruise ships flying the national flag.
Critics say the proposal amounts in effect to backsliding on a near-nationwide ban on locals gambling. That policy applies specifically to land-based casinos. The ministry promoting the local casino cruise ships idea says there would be tough rules to protect citizens from harm and that South Korean citizens are already using foreign cruise ships for such activities.
Maritime Minister Yoo Ki-june, from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, said locals using such South Korean cruise ships would only be allowed to gamble for five to six hours at most per day while the ships are sailing in international waters. The maximum betting amount for individuals would be below US$100 for a five-day trip, the report added.
Kangwon Land, operator of the only one among South Korea’s 17 casinos allowed to admit locals as patrons - a venue located more than three hours from the capital Seoul by road - is said to be one of the strongest opponents to the plan.
