‘Illegal Private Horse Racing Site’ Operators Lose Appeal Trial

Court: "Online Illegal Gambling Causes Significant Social Harm"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] A group prosecuted for operating an illegal private horse racing site lost their appeal claiming the original sentence was too harsh.

On the 23rd, the Seoul Western District Court Criminal Division 2 (Chief Judge Ji Sangmok) announced that it dismissed the appeal filed by Kim (50) and another person, who were charged with violating the Korea Racing Authority Act (illegal gambling operations, etc.).

The court stated, "It is favorable to the defendants that they confessed to the crime and showed remorse during the appeal trial," but added, "Online illegal gambling promotes gambling addiction, undermines a healthy work ethic, and causes significant social harm by destroying the lives of participants and their family members, thus requiring strict punishment."

Furthermore, the court explained the dismissal by noting, "The defendants operated a large-scale illegal private horse racing center and earned substantial profits."

They are accused of conspiring with an organization running an online private horse racing operation from December 2016 to March 2018, engaging in activities similar to horse race betting conducted by the Korea Racing Authority, despite not being the Authority.

The first trial court sentenced Kim and another defendant to 1 year and 6 months and 6 months imprisonment respectively, citing the large scale and long operation period of the center and significant profits. Four others charged with the same offense received suspended sentences and community service orders.

Kim and the other defendant appealed in November last year, arguing that the first trial sentence was too severe and unfair.

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