'Addiction Prevention Counseling Up 20%': National Gambling Control Commission Expands Responsible Gambling Campaign

Status of Addiction Prevention Counseling at the National Gambling Control Commission

NGCC counseling cases increase by 20% year-on-year

Expansion of nationwide campaigns to improve awareness of responsible gambling

Strengthening accessibility to professional counseling and establishing early intervention systems

[K-Journal | Reporter Choi Ye-bang]

Addiction prevention is emerging as a core task for establishing a healthy leisure culture. The National Gambling Control Commission (NGCC) recently released statistical data showing that the number of gambling addiction prevention and treatment counseling sessions has increased by 20% compared to the same period last year. This indicates both a heightened social awareness of gambling issues and an increase in users seeking professional help.

Background and significance of the increase in counseling services

The prevailing analysis is that the increase in counseling cases does not necessarily mean a surge in the number of addicts, but rather that problems previously hidden are now coming to light. An NGCC official stated, "As promotional activities for gambling addiction prevention have been strengthened, more individuals are recognizing their own problems and requesting counseling. This is a positive signal that maximizes treatment effectiveness through early intervention." In line with this trend, professional agencies are focusing on expanding counseling staff and upgrading non-face-to-face counseling systems to improve accessibility.

Strengthening Nationwide Campaigns for Responsible Gambling

Expansion of prevention education in partnership with local communities

The NGCC is launching responsible gambling campaigns centered in major cities across the country. This campaign focuses on informing not only casino visitors but also the general public about the dangers of gambling and emphasizing the importance of healthy leisure activities. In particular, the commission is actively promoting the locations and contact information of addiction prevention centers in cooperation with local governments.

Building an integrated online and offline prevention platform

As the risk of exposure to gambling in the digital environment grows, the NGCC has significantly strengthened its online prevention education content. It provides customized educational materials for all age groups, from elementary students to adults, and operates a self-diagnosis system for users to check for signs of gambling addiction. These preventive efforts serve as a social safety net, reminding the public that gambling can cause serious economic and psychological damage to individuals and families beyond being a simple pastime.

Future Directions and Outlook for Addiction Prevention Policy

Advancement of early intervention systems

Experts agree that the core of addiction prevention lies in 'early response.' The NGCC plans to introduce a data analysis model that can identify groups at risk of addiction at an early stage. Through this, the commission intends to increase the effectiveness of treatment by combining intensive counseling for high-risk groups with family counseling programs. It has also expressed its commitment to resolving blind spots in counseling by expanding networks with private counseling centers.

Enhancing responsibility across the industry

The casino industry is also recognizing responsible gambling as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Major domestic and international casino operators, such as Kangwon Land, are participating in addiction prevention by strictly operating betting limit settings and entry restriction systems. It is expected that these self-regulatory efforts by the industry, combined with policy support from authorities, will continue to contribute to building a healthy society free from gambling addiction.