Calculators & Self-ChecksProsecution Request Estimator
Running a casino without a permit: statutory penalty and likely requested sentence
The statutory penalty for Running a casino without a permit and the likely handling of the case depending on your circumstances. The results are for reference only.
- Statutory penalty
- Up to 7 years in prison or a fine of up to KRW 70 million (both may be imposed)
- Legal basis
- Tourism Promotion Act, Articles 81(1)(1) and 5(1)
- Category
- Other · Tourism Promotion Act
Calculate with your own circumstances
What the handling steps mean
- Detention considered · Detention (구속): being held in custody during the investigation and trial under a court warrant when there is a risk of fleeing or destroying evidence
- Formal trial · Formal trial (구공판): the prosecutor asks the court for a trial, and you stand before a judge in a courtroom
- Summary fine · Summary indictment (약식기소): a procedure in which a fine is set on the documents, without a trial in a courtroom
- Suspension of indictment possible · Suspension of indictment (기소유예): the wrongdoing is recognized, but the prosecutor takes various circumstances into account and closes the case without sending it to trial
- Referral to the Family Court possible · Domestic or juvenile protection case: instead of criminal punishment, the Family Court imposes protective dispositions such as counseling, a no-contact order or community service
Handling standards at a glance
Listed from heaviest to lightest. The actual decision depends on the results of the investigation and your circumstances.
Detention considered
- Likely requested sentence
- 10 months to 2 years in prison
Formal trial (prison sentence requested)
- Likely requested sentence
- 10 months to 2 years in prison
For active participants such as repeat offenders, large-scale operators, investors, nominal owners and key staff, a formal trial is the rule.
Summary fine
- Likely fine
- KRW 7 million or more
Summary fine
- Likely fine
- KRW 3 million or more
Summary fine
- Likely fine
- KRW 2 million or more
Suspension of indictment possible
An ordinary employee may receive a suspension of indictment, depending on prior convictions and the degree of involvement.
Notes
- A 2024 amendment raised the statutory penalty from up to 5 years in prison or a fine of up to KRW 50 million, and attempts are also punished.
Frequently asked questions
- Running a casino without a permit: what is the statutory penalty?
- Legal basis: Tourism Promotion Act, Articles 81(1)(1) and 5(1). Statutory penalty: Up to 7 years in prison or a fine of up to KRW 70 million (both may be imposed).
- Running a casino without a permit: how is the case usually handled?
- Depending on the circumstances, it may be handled as follows: Detention considered, Formal trial (prison sentence requested), Summary fine, Suspension of indictment possible. Enter your circumstances in the calculator above to see which one applies.
Other crimes in the same category
- Employing foreigners staying illegally
- Brokering employment of foreigners staying illegally
- False invitation of foreigners
- Illegal entry (smuggling into Korea)
- False entry in public electronic records (sham marriage, etc.)
- Forging and using a public document
- Forging and using a private document
- Obstruction of business
This is only an estimate based on how investigative agencies usually handle cases. The actual decision and request depend on the facts of the case, such as a settlement, prior convictions and how the crime happened, and on the judgment of the prosecutor in charge; the final sentence is decided by the court. If you are about to be questioned, do not rely on this result alone and talk to a lawyer first.
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