South Korea's Ministry of National Defense is considering introducing a voluntary self-reporting program for military personnel involved in illegal gambling. The proposal comes as concerns grow that cyber gambling within the armed forces is significantly more widespread than official figures indicate.
In a written response submitted to Reform Party lawmaker Chun Ha-ram, the ministry said it is reviewing measures that would reduce administrative and criminal penalties for service members who voluntarily disclose their gambling activity. Those who come forward could also be referred to specialist treatment and recovery programs.
The proposal reflects a shift toward prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment, with the ministry viewing voluntary disclosure as a way to identify hidden gambling problems before they escalate.
Official data recorded 313 military personnel investigated by military police for suspected cyber gambling last year, including 20 career service members and 293 enlisted soldiers. However, the ministry acknowledged these figures represent only detected cases.
Separate findings suggest the true scale could be considerably larger. In a Yonhap News Agency survey of 30 recently discharged service members born between 1997 and 2004, 56% said they had witnessed fellow soldiers participating in illegal gambling during their service.
The ministry's own research also pointed to gambling issues developing before enlistment. An in-depth survey of 52 service members with illegal gambling experience found that 80% had begun gambling before joining the military or receiving their commission.
The ministry said it is developing broader countermeasures based on these findings as it evaluates the self-reporting proposal. The move reflects a wider international focus on gambling among military personnel.
The proposal has yet to be finalized, although lawmakers have urged the ministry to introduce stronger incentives for self-reporting in an effort to bring hidden gambling cases to light.
In Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved new rules banning active-duty service members from gambling. Authorities are also developing an automated verification system that will check gambling registrations against both the country's self-exclusion database and a new military personnel registry before access is granted.
The proposal would build on South Korea's existing voluntary reporting program for teenagers, which focuses on counseling and rehabilitation alongside enforcement
