Online casinos are illegal for North Korean citizens, as gambling has traditionally been prohibited under the country's socialist policies. However, in 2025, the government introduced mobile lottery and sports betting through the Samhung Electronic Wallet app, marking a significant policy shift (1). This state-approved digital platform allows North Koreans to participate in number-based lottery games and bet on domestic and international football matches, with winnings paid through the Jonsong debit card system or directly into digital wallets (1).
Two land-based casinos operate exclusively for foreign tourists at the Yanggakdo International Hotel in Pyongyang and the Imperial Hotel in the Rason Special Economic Zone. The Yanggakdo casino offers baccarat and blackjack with no alcohol permitted, while the Imperial Hotel requires a 500 euro minimum entrance fee converted to chips (2). These casinos accept foreign currencies including US dollars, euros, and Chinese yuan, with North Korean citizens strictly prohibited from entering (2).
"Whilst gambling is banned for the citizens of North Korea, there are two casinos that cater to foreign guests."
The regime's introduction of state-controlled gambling through mobile apps represents an unusual departure from strict information controls. A notification from March 2023 announced a top prize of 46.7 million North Korean won, approximately USD 5,640 at market exchange rates (1). North Korea has also been implicated in illegal gambling operations, with the National Intelligence Service uncovering that North Korean IT workers created and sold thousands of illegal gambling websites to South Korean criminals through an organization called Gyeongheung, generating foreign revenue for the regime (2).
Source:
https://sigma.world/news/north-korea-mobile-lottery-sports-betting-service/
https://www.youngpioneertours.com/can-you-gamble-in-north-korea/
Last updated: 13-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
