Online bingo is strictly prohibited for North Korean citizens under socialist law, which comprehensively bans all forms of gambling for locals with extremely limited exceptions (1). The regime maintains this prohibition with severe enforcement, though a recent surprising shift in 2023 introduced state-authorized mobile lottery and sports betting through the Samhung Electronic Wallet app, marking an unprecedented policy reversal (2). These state-controlled gambling options remain the only forms of online gaming legally available to North Korean citizens, with all unauthorized online bingo platforms considered criminal offenses.
North Korean citizens attempting to access international online bingo platforms face severe criminal penalties including imprisonment and confiscation of property, as the government actively blocks external gambling websites (1). The regime maintains two land-based casinos exclusively for foreign visitors—the Yanggakdo Hotel Casino in Pyongyang and Imperial Hotel Casino in Rason—while completely prohibiting locals from participating in any commercial gambling except through official state channels (2). The government's recent introduction of mobile betting and lottery through the Samhung app represents a dramatic policy shift aimed at generating revenue from state-controlled gambling while preventing capital outflow to foreign operators.
"The regime allowing locals to play these games might be a move to boost engagement with state-approved digital platforms and raise money through controlled gambling. Previously, gambling was only for foreigners at places like the Yanggakdo International Hotel in Pyongyang."
The North Korean government's recent introduction of state-authorized mobile gambling suggests a pragmatic acknowledgment of citizens' demand for gaming opportunities while maintaining strict control through government ownership and distribution (2). Players accessing unauthorized online bingo platforms operate at extreme legal risk, subject to criminal prosecution, imprisonment, and asset seizure by authorities (1). Until North Korea potentially expands its state-controlled gambling offerings or reverses its comprehensive prohibition, online bingo from international sources remains completely illegal for North Korean citizens with enforcement mechanisms more severe than most countries globally.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-north-korea/
https://sigma.world/news/north-korea-mobile-lottery-sports-betting-service/
Last updated: 01-11-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
