Legal Betting in DPRK

Review of the Legality of Betting in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), maintains one of the most restrictive legal frameworks globally, particularly concerning betting and gambling. This document examines the legality of betting in the DPRK, the absence of betting platforms and local betting offices, the regulatory framework governing the betting market, and identifies sports that could theoretically attract betting interest. Additionally, it addresses international influences on betting and societal attitudes toward gambling. Key findings are summarized in a list and table at the conclusion.

Legality of Gambling in the DPRK

Gambling and betting are entirely prohibited under DPRK law. The centralized, state-controlled economy and society leave no room for private enterprises or activities like gambling, which are perceived as undermining state ideology or social order. While the DPRK criminal code does not explicitly define betting as a distinct offense, it falls under broad prohibitions against "anti-socialistic" activities, encompassing unauthorized commercial endeavors. Violators face severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, or reeducation through labor, depending on the offense's severity and the offender's status.

This prohibition aligns with DPRK policies aimed at restricting activities that promote personal expression or economic independence outside state control. Unlike some socialist states with state-approved lotteries, the DPRK has no evidence of sanctioned gambling, prioritizing ideological control over potential revenue from regulated betting.

Popular Betting Platforms

No legal or state-sanctioned gambling websites exist in the DPRK due to the outright ban on gambling. Internet access is heavily restricted, with only a small elite able to access the global internet, while most citizens are limited to the censored Kwangmyong intranet, which blocks gambling content. The general public cannot access international betting sites due to internet surveillance, currency restrictions, and prohibitions on foreign currency use.

Unconfirmed reports suggest the DPRK may operate illegal gambling websites abroad to generate state revenue. These covert operations do not benefit DPRK citizens, who lack both technical access and legal permission to engage with such platforms.

Local Betting Offices

The absence of a private sector and the state's monopoly on economic activities preclude the existence of local betting offices in the DPRK. Informal or underground betting is highly unlikely, even among elites, due to pervasive surveillance and severe legal consequences. The non-consumerist economy and omnipresent state control eliminate the possibility of offline betting establishments.

Regulations on the Betting Market

The DPRK lacks specific betting or gambling legislation, as these activities are strictly prohibited. Regulation occurs indirectly through laws governing economic transactions and public morality, including:

• Prohibition of profit-driven expenditures, classified as financial speculation under the DPRK criminal code.
• Anti-Socialist Laws, which deem gambling a capitalist vice and ideological offense.
• Information restrictions, with stringent censorship of internet access, foreign media, and communications to prevent exposure to betting-related content.

Enforcement is rigorous, overseen by the Ministry of State Security and local officials, with penalties including imprisonment, reeducation through labor, or public condemnation for those involved in betting activities.

Supplemental Information

• No betting is permitted, including state lotteries.
• Gambling violations result in imprisonment or reeducation through labor.
• The Kwangmyong intranet blocks all gambling-related content.
• Informal betting is virtually nonexistent, even among elites.
• Sports in state media serve as propaganda tools, not betting opportunities.

Sports to Bet On

Due to the illegality of betting, no direct data exists on sports betting preferences in the DPRK. However, certain sports, promoted by the state and embedded in the culture, could theoretically attract betting interest if permitted:

• Soccer: Known as football, it enjoys significant popularity through the national team and domestic leagues, with major matches broadcast by the state.
• Weightlifting: The DPRK's international success, particularly in Olympic competitions, elevates its profile as a potential betting interest.
• Figure Skating: Competitive achievements in international figure skating, highlighted in state media, suggest theoretical relevance for betting.

These sports align with the state’s emphasis on national pride, though betting remains nonexistent.

Foreign Factors for Betting

The DPRK’s isolationist policies limit international influences on its betting landscape. Alleged state involvement in illegal overseas gambling sites reflects a pursuit of foreign currency rather than a shift in domestic policy. These activities do not impact the domestic market, as citizens lack access to international betting platforms and awareness of global trends. Resistance to foreign cultural influences further insulates the DPRK from external betting practices.

Social Perceptions Regarding Gambling

In the DPRK, gambling is equated with capitalist vices, such as sexual deviancy and drug use, and is condemned through state propaganda as contrary to socialist values. Public attitudes, shaped by ideology and fear of punishment, show little interest in gambling. Even among elites with potential exposure to foreign cultures, legal risks and societal norms deter engagement. The collectivist ethos, reinforced by institutions like the Red Guards, prioritizes state loyalty, fostering widespread disdain for gambling as a form of capitalist corruption.

Betting Environment in the DPRK

Aspect	Details
Legal Status	Completely illegal
Regulatory Authority	Ministry of State Security
Internet Access	Limited to Kwangmyong intranet
Prominent Sports	Football, weightlifting, figure skating
Penalty for Violation	Imprisonment, reeducation, or public criticism

Conclusion

The DPRK enforces a complete ban on gambling, underpinned by a robust legal and ideological framework rooted in state control and socialist principles. No betting platforms or local offices exist, and laws prohibit unauthorized economic activities, including gambling. Sports such as soccer, weightlifting, and figure skating hold cultural significance but remain untapped for betting due to legal restrictions. International influences are minimal, and public sentiment, shaped by propaganda, universally opposes gambling. While the state may engage in covert international gambling operations for revenue, domestic gambling is nonexistent, reflecting the DPRK’s stringent control over its society.