Gold Mountain (Jeju) faces three-month licence suspension
Jeju province proposes the sanction after alleged tampering and a KRW100m fraud in June
Key Takeaways
- Jeju Special Self-Governing Province has proposed a three-month operational suspension for Gold Mountain Casino.
- Allegations state casino staff cheated three Chinese customers of about KRW100,000,000 during blackjack on 7–8 June.
- The case was referred to Jeju prosecutors on 11 September and a separate criminal investigation is underway.
- A second breach for the same reason could result in licence revocation.
Gold Mountain Casino, the foreigner-only venue on Jeju Island, faces a proposed operational suspension of three months unless it provides sufficient mitigation, the Government of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province said. The measure follows an investigation into allegations that casino staff cheated three Chinese patrons of approximately KRW100 000 000 (US$75,598 at present) during blackjack games on 7 and 8 June.
Investigation and possible sanction
The provincial authority said the violation is described as “use of altered gaming equipment” and that, for a first breach of that kind, the administrative penalty provided is a three-month operational suspension. The body added that a second breach could lead to licence revocation.
“We are still reviewing the casino operator’s representations. Under existing regulations, we may reduce the three-month suspension if mitigating grounds are identified,” a Jeju official told GGRAsia.
The official clarified that the province does not have the power to extend the suspension beyond three months for a first offence and that it is assessing the allegations against the operator’s representations.
Parallel processes and regulatory context
The same matter was referred to the Jeju prosecutors on 11 September and the prosecution is conducting a separate criminal investigation, the authority said. The province made clear its administrative sanction will be “independent” of any criminal outcome or subsequent court ruling.
Since 2009, the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province has retained certain regulatory controls over the foreigner-only casino sector. Gold Mountain Casino formerly operated as Megaluck Casino under New Silkroad Culturaltainment Ltd and was sold to Geumsan Co Ltd in 2024, according to May data from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, which holds overall competence for the country’s casino sector.
Author: Miguel Sandoval, Regulatory Correspondent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What administrative sanction has been proposed for Gold Mountain Casino?
The Jeju Special Self-Governing Province has proposed a three-month operational suspension as the administrative penalty for a first offence described as “use of altered gaming equipment.” The province cannot extend that suspension for a first violation.
How much money is alleged to have been taken and when did it happen?
It is alleged that three Chinese patrons were cheated of approximately KRW100,000,000 (about US$75,598) during blackjack games on 7 and 8 June; early reports mentioned KRW80,000,000.
Is there a separate criminal investigation?
Yes. The matter was referred to the Jeju prosecutors on 11 September and the prosecution is conducting an independent criminal investigation, according to the provincial authority.
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About the author
Miguel Sandoval
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Miguel Sandoval tracks gambling legislation, licensing, and regulator enforcement — from Spain's DGOJ and the Latin American authorities to the UKGC, the MGA, and the state-by-state map in North America. The reports answer three questions precisely — what changed, where, and who it affects — with jurisdictions, dates, and penalties cited exactly as published. Operators and compliance officers read Miguel Sandoval to know which rulebook moved before their next meeting.
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