South Korea is expanding its efforts to prevent gambling-related harm among young people through a new national partnership. The initiative brings together the National Youth Center of Korea and the Korea Center on Gambling Problems to strengthen prevention education and outreach for youth.
Under an agreement signed on July 8, the two organizations will work together to promote youth-focused gambling prevention activities, conduct joint research, develop educational programs, and explore new initiatives addressing emerging gambling-related issues.
A key feature of the partnership is the introduction of interactive prevention content powered by AI technology. Rather than relying solely on traditional classroom-style instruction, the program will allow participants to engage with simulated scenarios that demonstrate the risks and consequences of gambling through smart devices.
The first project, tentatively titled After-school Detective Squad MISSING: Find the Missing Friend, is designed to provide an immersive learning experience that encourages young people to better recognize the warning signs and potential harms associated with gambling.
National Youth Center of Korea Director Jeong Cheolsang said the use of AI-based experiential content would help transform prevention education into something that resonates more deeply with young audiences instead of simply delivering information.
The latest initiative reflects South Korea's growing emphasis on preventive education as illegal online gambling continues to pose challenges, particularly among younger demographics.
Last month, the country's gambling prevention efforts also extended to the military, where the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation's Sports Lottery and Sports Toto Headquarters organized an awareness campaign for approximately 300 recruits and soldiers at the Army's 51st Infantry Division. The program educated participants on illegal gambling methods, addiction risks, and the legal consequences of involvement.
The organizations plan to jointly develop an interactive program, allowing participants to experience the consequences of gambling through smart-device technology
