Is "Jeombak Go-Stop" Also Gambling... What If Played for Fun Among Relatives During Seollal Holiday?

Low Possibility of Applying Gambling Charges for Family Go-Stop Games... High Risk of Addiction Requires Caution

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Families sit around a green blanket, intently watching the Hwatu cards. The Hwatu game, which started as a 'Jeombaek Go-stop,' heats up as the stakes rise to 200 won, 300 won. This is a common scene seen across the country during the holiday season. But should Go-stop played among family members like this be considered gambling?

Strictly speaking, Go-stop played with family or relatives is also regarded as a form of 'gambling.' Gambling includes all acts of betting money or valuables on uncertain outcomes. However, whether holiday Go-stop constitutes a punishable gambling offense under the law is interpreted differently depending on the situation.

Article 246 of the Criminal Act states that 'a person who gambles shall be punished by a fine not exceeding 10 million won,' while making an exception for cases considered 'mere occasional amusement.' However, there is no clear regulation on the extent to which 'mere occasional amusement' is allowed.

Generally, courts distinguish between gambling offenses and simple occasional amusement based on factors such as the place and time of gambling, the gambler's occupation, the scale of the stakes, the circumstances leading to gambling, and habitual behavior. The common interpretation is that if the stakes are not excessively high and the game is played just for fun, the likelihood of being punished for a 'gambling offense' for Go-stop played during holidays is low.

However, regardless of whether one is punished for a 'gambling offense,' experts emphasize the need for caution regarding 'gambling addiction,' even with simple Go-stop games played with family. Holiday Go-stop also possesses the characteristics of gambling, so there is a considerable possibility that what starts as fun could lead to addiction.

In particular, Go-stop is one of the most familiar and easily accessible forms of gambling around us. Nevertheless, few people are aware of Go-stop addiction.

Experts stress that Go-stop should be regarded as genuine gambling and that it should be enjoyed only for fun, not with the aim of winning money. They warn that the thrilling experience of winning money can easily become a moment when gambling addiction develops, and people should be aware and cautious of this.

A representative from the Korea Center on Gambling Problems Management said, “Most people think they are not addicted to gambling and are unrelated to it, but anyone can become addicted to gambling,” adding, “If enjoyed in a fun way, it can be a good pastime, but if not, problems arise, so it is important to cultivate the habit of self-restraint.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.