South Korea bans video game arcades

SOUTH KOREA – As reported by the Korea Times: "Minister of Culture and Tourism Kim Myung-gon Friday said that the government will ban video game arcades from using gift certificates for payouts in April next year as part of the efforts to eradicate illegal gambling.

"Kim also apologized to the public in a press briefing, accepting criticism after the Board of Audit and Inspection of Korea on Thursday held the government accountable for the recent video gambling game scandal over `Pada Iyagi' or Sea Story.

"…The nation's video arcades and slot machine parlors have been unlawfully allowing their customers to cash their vouchers, which is considered the main culprit behind the quick spread of illegal gambling.

"Kim said that the government is also planning to come up with stricter licensing regulations for companies…"

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