Korea, North Casinos
Online casinos in North Korea are prohibited. Gambling is illegal for North Korean citizens under the country’s criminal law, both at home and abroad, and there is no legal or regulated online gambling market. The only casinos in the country, in Pyongyang and the Rason Special Economic Zone, are reserved exclusively for foreign visitors and are closed to locals.
This page is a strictly informational overview of the legal status of gambling in North Korea. It does not promote or facilitate gambling. Because online play is banned and no licensing framework exists, there is no lawful route for residents to gamble online.
Are online casinos legal in North Korea?
No. Online casinos in North Korea are illegal, and gambling is prohibited for citizens under criminal law. The only physical casinos are restricted to foreign visitors, and there is no licensed online gambling market of any kind.
The legal status of online casinos in North Korea
North Korea has no transparent gambling law and no formal licensing system. Prohibitions are enforced through general criminal statutes that ban most games of chance for North Korean nationals, both inside the country and abroad. Enforcement falls to state security organs. A narrow exception exists for foreign tourists at two state-linked casinos in Pyongyang and Rason, and locals have limited access to tightly controlled activities such as raffle-style horse-race betting at the Mirim club, legalised in 2017.
Online gambling and the absence of a legal market
For residents, online gambling is banned, and there is no domestic online casino market or licensing route. State access to the wider internet is heavily restricted, so ordinary citizens cannot lawfully reach online casinos. This page is provided for information only. For how other jurisdictions treat online play, see our country gambling guides, and anyone affected by gambling can find support at BeGambleAware.
Can North Korean citizens gamble?
No. Gambling is prohibited for North Korean citizens under criminal law, both at home and abroad. Only very limited, tightly controlled activities such as raffle-style horse-race betting are permitted for locals.
Who can use the casinos in North Korea?
Only foreign visitors. North Korea’s two casinos, in Pyongyang and the Rason Special Economic Zone, are reserved for foreigners, and North Korean nationals are not allowed to gamble in them.
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