'Casino Revenue Up 12%' Kangwon Land Records Rebound in First Half of 2026

2026 First Half Kangwon Land Casino Performance Report

Kangwon Land H1 2026 Revenue Increases 12% Year-on-Year

Casino visitor count rises 8.5% compared to the first half of the previous year

Non-casino revenue share exceeds 20%, diversifying profit structure

[K-Journal | Reporter Kim Sun-kyu]

According to the first-half performance report released by Kangwon Land, the center of the casino industry, in July 2026, revenue increased by 12% compared to the same period last year, indicating a clear recovery. This is primarily attributed to the revitalization of the tourism industry and an increase in the utilization of resort facilities. The consensus is that stable casino operations combined with revenue growth in non-casino sectors have driven the overall performance.

Key Background for Performance Growth

This growth appears to be the result of not only an increase in casino visitors but also strengthened competitiveness as a comprehensive resort. Kangwon Land stated that facility modernization and customer service improvement programs implemented since the beginning of this year have enhanced visitor satisfaction. Furthermore, the strengthening of addiction prevention activities to foster a healthy gaming environment has created a safer atmosphere for visitors, which is analyzed to have had a positive impact.

Industry Regulations and Policy Changes

Government Casino Industry Regulatory Policy

The domestic casino industry operates under the strict supervision and oversight of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. As of 2026, the government continues to improve regulations to help casinos evolve from being perceived solely as gambling venues into comprehensive tourism industries. In particular, for Kangwon Land—the only casino where domestic citizens are permitted to enter—the government focuses on securing the public interest of the industry by mandating strict total revenue caps and contributions to addiction prevention funds.

Strengthening Corporate Social Responsibility

There is a growing call across the industry to emphasize the social responsibility of casinos. Recently, the industry has been making efforts toward responsible gambling, such as voluntarily introducing game time limit systems and strengthening addiction prevention education. These measures are intended to meet social demands that casinos should play a pivotal role in the local economy and tourism industry beyond merely serving as spaces for profit generation.

Future Industry Outlook and Addiction Prevention Measures

Future Strategy for the Casino Industry

Experts expect the growth trend of the casino industry to continue into the second half of the year. Key tasks include strengthening marketing to attract foreign tourists and expanding content for both domestic and international visitors. Kangwon Land plans to expand its resort infrastructure to transform from a game-centric space into a complex cultural space that can be enjoyed by family-unit tourists.

Operation of Addiction Prevention and Counseling Centers

In line with the growth of the casino industry, the role of specialized counseling centers for addiction prevention has become increasingly important. The addiction management center located within Kangwon Land currently sees an annual increase in the number of consultations, leading to the expansion of professional counseling staff and the enhancement of prevention programs. As gambling addiction can affect not only individuals but also their families and society at large, active counseling and treatment support are essential. K-Journal intends to continue its monitoring and reporting to ensure the healthy development of the industry.