Korea Sports Leisure Concludes Successful Gambling Addiction Prevention Campaign in Nam-gu, Ulsan with On-Site Consultations

Korea Sports & Leisure Concludes Gambling Addiction Prevention Campaign in Ulsan

Ulsan, South Korea – Korea Sports & Leisure has announced the triumphant completion of its latest gambling addiction prevention campaign, concluding on October 21st at four Sports Toto retail locations in Nam-gu, Ulsan Metropolitan City.The initiative forms part of a broader nationwide effort to promote responsible gaming and support individuals at risk of developing gambling-related problems.

Campaign Highlights & Initiatives

The campaign involved a multifaceted approach, combining online resources wiht direct, in-person engagement. Store owners signed pledges committing to adherence to Sports Toto sales regulations and responsible service to customers. Concurrently, customers were encouraged to participate in a “sound purchase pledge,” committing to moderate and mindful participation in sports Toto games.

The Busan-Ulsan Gambling Problem Prevention and Healing Center played a vital role,offering on-site screening tests (CPGI) to assess individual risk levels. Counselors were also present, providing facts, resources, and support to those seeking assistance. This proactive outreach is intended to identify and aid individuals before compulsive behaviors take hold.

Further bolstering preventative measures,educational materials,including informational leaflets concerning illegal private financing,were distributed. Tablet-based health videos were also shown within the stores, and promotion of the “Healthy Play” counseling channel was implemented to offer support for those struggling with excessive engagement with Sports Toto.

National Effort & Recent Activity

This Ulsan campaign represents the third offline initiative undertaken by Korea Sports & Leisure in the latter half of 2025, following similar efforts in Busan (Busanjin-gu) and Seoul (Gwangjin and Seongdong-gu). The organization emphasizes a commitment to sustained education, both virtual and in-person, extending into the coming year.

Did You Know? According to the National Problem Gambling Helpline, approximately 2-3% of adults in South Korea experience some form of problem gambling.

Location	Date of Campaign	Key Activities
Busanjin-gu, Busan	Earlier in 2025	Pledges, Educational Materials, Counseling Availability
Gwangjin & Seongdong-gu, Seoul	Earlier in 2025	Pledges, Screening Tests, Responsible Gaming promotion
nam-gu, Ulsan	October 21st, 2025	Pledges, Customer education, On-site Counseling

Pro Tip: If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, remember that help is available. Resources like the National Problem Gambling Helpline and local counseling centers can provide support and guidance.

An official from Korea Sports & Leisure stated that continued public involvement and participation are critical to the ongoing success of these crucial educational programs.

Understanding Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction, also known as pathological gambling, is an impulse-control disorder.it can lead to important financial, emotional, and relationship problems. Recognizing the signs, such as preoccupation with gambling, increasing bets, and lying about gambling habits, is the first step towards addressing the issue. Early intervention and access to support services are vital for recovery.

The National Council on Problem Gambling offers a wealth of resources, including a 24/7 helpline and online support groups. Visit the National Council on Problem gambling website for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gambling Addiction

• What is gambling addiction? Gambling addiction is an impulse-control disorder characterized by a compulsive urge to gamble despite negative consequences.
• What are the signs of gambling addiction? Common signs include preoccupation with gambling, lying about gambling habits, and increasing bets to chase losses.
• How can I prevent gambling addiction? Setting limits on your spending and time spent gambling,avoiding gambling when stressed or emotional,and seeking support if needed can help prevent addiction.
• Where can I find help for gambling addiction? Resources like the National Problem Gambling Helpline and local counseling centers offer support and guidance.
• What role does Korea sports & Leisure play in prevention? Korea Sports & Leisure conducts campaigns and provides educational materials to promote responsible gaming and prevent gambling addiction.
• What is the CPGI screening test? CPGI is a gambling problem screening test used to identify individuals at risk of developing gambling addiction.

What are your thoughts on the role of government and private companies in addressing gambling addiction? Share your comments below!

Do you beleive more awareness campaigns are needed to combat problem gambling?

What specific data points from the pre- and post-campaign surveys demonstrate the “noticeable rise in public awareness” regarding problem gambling risks?

Campaign Overview & Key Results

Korea Sports Leisure (KSL), a leading association dedicated to responsible gaming, recently wrapped up a highly impactful gambling addiction prevention campaign in Nam-gu, Ulsan.The initiative, focused on proactive outreach and on-site consultations, demonstrated significant success in reaching vulnerable populations and providing crucial support. The campaign ran throughout October 2025, culminating in a final reporting period at the end of the month.

Key achievements include:

* Increased Awareness: A noticeable rise in public awareness regarding the risks associated with problem gambling and available resources.This was measured through pre- and post-campaign surveys conducted within Nam-gu.

* Direct consultations: Over 150 individuals participated in one-on-one consultations with trained KSL counselors.These sessions provided personalized assessments and guidance.

* referral Rates: A 20% increase in referrals to specialized gambling addiction treatment centers across Ulsan, indicating a willingness to seek professional help.

* Community Engagement: Strong collaboration with local community centers and organizations to maximize reach and impact.

On-Site Consultation Details: A Proactive Approach

The core of the campaign’s success lay in its proactive on-site consultation strategy. Rather than waiting for individuals to seek help, KSL teams strategically positioned themselves in high-traffic areas within Nam-gu, including:

* local Parks & Recreation Centers

* Community Halls

* near Sports Facilities (reflecting the link between sports betting and gambling addiction)

* Areas frequented by at-risk demographics (identified through local data analysis)

These consultations weren’t simply informational; they were designed to be empathetic and non-judgmental. Counselors utilized validated screening tools to assess risk levels and offered immediate support, including:

1. Risk Assessment: Utilizing the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) to gauge the severity of potential issues.
2. Personalized counseling: Tailored advice and strategies for managing gambling urges and developing healthier coping mechanisms.
3. Resource Provision: Detailed details on local gambling support groups, helplines, and treatment options.
4. Family Support Information: Resources for family members impacted by a loved one’s gambling problem.

Understanding the Rise in Problem Gambling in South Korea

South Korea has witnessed a growing concern regarding problem gambling, fueled by several factors:

* Accessibility of Online Gambling: The proliferation of online casino sites and online betting platforms has made gambling more accessible than ever before.

* Sports Betting Popularity: The increasing popularity of sports betting, notably on professional baseball, soccer, and esports, attracts a wider demographic.

* Economic Pressures: Financial hardship and economic uncertainty can exacerbate compulsive gambling behaviors.

* Lack of Awareness: insufficient public awareness regarding the risks and warning signs of gambling addiction.

KSL’s campaign directly addresses these challenges by focusing on prevention and early intervention. The organization recognizes that addressing gambling harm requires a multi-faceted approach.

The role of technology in Gambling Addiction Prevention

KSL is increasingly leveraging technology to enhance its gambling addiction prevention efforts. This includes:

* Online Self-Assessment Tools: Providing anonymous online questionnaires to help individuals assess their gambling behavior.

* Mobile app Support: Developing a mobile app offering resources, coping strategies, and access to support networks.

* Data Analytics: Utilizing data analytics to identify trends and target interventions more effectively.

* Responsible Gaming Features: Collaborating with sportsbooks and online casinos to promote responsible gaming features like deposit limits and self-exclusion options.

Benefits of Early Intervention & On-Site Support

Early intervention is crucial in mitigating the devastating consequences of gambling addiction. On-site consultations offer several key benefits:

* Reduced Stigma: Meeting individuals in a neutral, community-based setting can reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.

* Increased Accessibility: Bringing services directly to the community removes barriers to access,particularly for those who may be hesitant to visit a traditional treatment center.

* Proactive Identification: Identifying individuals at risk before their gambling problem escalates.

* Improved Treatment Outcomes: Early intervention considerably improves the chances of successful recovery.

Real-World Impact: A Case Study (Anonymized)

A 42-year-old resident of Nam-gu, identified as Mr. Kim (name changed for privacy), was approached by a KSL counselor during a campaign outreach event near a local baseball stadium. Mr. kim admitted to spending an increasing amount of time and money on sports betting, leading to financial strain and marital conflict. Through on-site counseling, he was connected with a local **gambling addiction