South Korea Plans to Allow Esports Betting Through State-Run Sports Toto
·
15.09.2026 15:20
·
2 min read
South Korea’s government is considering adding esports matches to Sports Toto, the state-run sports betting system, by 2028. The initiative is part of the national Sports Policy Vision 2030 program, presented by a government committee chaired by the country’s prime minister. The plan calls for strict state control and has nothing to do with opening the market to private commercial bookmakers.
The Sports Vision 2030 Program and KeSPA’s Interests
According to the South Korean outlet Aju Press, the government strategy aims to grow the national sports market to 115 trillion won by 2030.
Sports Toto currently takes bets only on traditional disciplines: soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball and golf. According to directives from the South Korean prime minister’s office, the list is set to add esports, handball, table tennis and billiards starting in 2028.
The Korean Esports Association (KeSPA) is a key supporter of the change. In analytical notes, KeSPA’s leadership proposed using part of Sports Toto’s tax and licensing fees to save academic leagues: directing revenue to support second divisions, build infrastructure for youth clubs and provide social payments to players who have ended their athletic careers.
Risks of 322 and Barriers to Private Gambling
Seoul has been discussing the idea of legalization for years. In 2023, the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation (KSPO) held consultations with the LCK League of Legends league about a test launch of betting, but the process stalled over concerns about minors getting involved in gambling.
To monitor match transparency, authorities plan to create a dedicated agency, K-ESIC, which will track suspicious activity and fight match-fixing.
The reform does not mean legalizing online casinos or admitting international betting brands. South Korea has strict laws against illegal gambling, and all private platforms are completely banned. The plan is solely about connecting esports to the official state-run betting system, whose list of disciplines and tournaments will be agreed on closer to 2028.
