The Korea Sports Promotion Foundation (KSPO) distributed approximately KRW5bn in whistleblower rewards during the first half of 2026 as part of its ongoing efforts to combat illegal sports gambling.
The payments were approved by the Foundation's First Sports Promotion Lottery Reward Review Committee for 2026, which evaluates whistleblower cases under South Korea's Sports Promotion Act.
Among the latest awards, one individual received KRW124m for reporting an illegal sports gambling operator. The Foundation also said it plans to revise its reward regulations to provide a fixed KRW124m payment for reports leading to the detection of gambling purchase intermediaries, facilitators and individuals involved in lending their identities for illegal betting activities.
The reporting program forms part of South Korea's broader enforcement strategy against illegal sports gambling, which carries severe criminal penalties. Operators of illegal betting businesses face up to seven years in prison or fines of up to KRW70m, while users can receive prison sentences of up to five years or fines of as much as KRW500m.
Whistleblower rewards vary depending on the offense reported. Individuals who expose illegal gambling operators may receive up to KRW200m, while reports involving users, promoters, intermediaries and facilitators can qualify for rewards of up to KRW124m. Cases involving sports match-fixing carry the highest potential reward of up to KRW500m.
The latest announcement comes as South Korea continues to review broader reforms affecting the gambling sector.
Just a day earlier, 12 tourism and gaming industry organizations urged the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to withdraw proposed casino reforms that would increase operators' contributions to the Tourism Promotion and Development Fund and introduce renewable five-year casino licenses.
Industry representatives argued that higher financial obligations and shorter licensing periods could reduce investment certainty for integrated resorts, while authorities continue to intensify enforcement against illegal gambling through stronger reporting incentives, public awareness campaigns and enhanced regulatory oversight.
South Korea imposes some of the country's toughest penalties for illegal sports gambling, with operators facing up to seven years in prison and users facing up to five years in prison or fines of as much as KRW500m
