Tourism experts in South Korea are urging the government to create a gambling regulator to focus on the possible introduction of integrated resorts. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Experts in the tourism space are calling on the South Korean government to create a regulator to oversee the possible introduction of integrated resorts (IRs) for casino gambling, similar to what Japan is doing.

A panel discussion on the subject took place during a recent meeting of the Global Business Club, run by the Korea Times. The debate was titled “Korean-Style Integrated Resorts and Future Strategic Directions.”

quell concerns from the public about the negative consequences of casino gambling

Most of the panel members agreed on the importance of having a regulator focus on IRs to quell concerns from the public about the negative consequences of casino gambling, such as rising addiction levels, and to invest resources into improving awareness regarding the risks of gambling, especially among the youth.

They also proposed a slow approach to IRs to make sure the proper framework is in place instead of diving in head first. Commercial casinos are already found across the country and are only open to non-residents.