The '2026 Jeju International Casino Policy Forum,' aimed at designing the next decade of the Jeju casino industry and exploring ways to strengthen international competitiveness, will be held for two days from November 9 to 10 at the Jeju International Convention Center (ICC Jeju).
According to the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province on the 26th, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the forum. Under the theme 'The New 10 Years of Jeju Casinos: Future and Challenges of the Jeju Casino Industry,' the event will bring together approximately 300 participants, including domestic and international casino experts, industry stakeholders, and civic groups.
Hosted by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and organized by the Jeju Casino Business Supervisory Committee and ICC Jeju, the event will focus on the sustainable growth of the casino industry, regional economic synergy, development into an integrated tourism industry, and policy responses in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Notably, representatives from the Nevada Gaming Control Board (USA), the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and the Tourism Sciences Society of Korea will attend to share insights on shifts in the global casino industry, regulatory policies, and integration with the tourism sector.
On the morning of the 9th, the first day of the forum, the session 'Sustainable Growth and Regional Synergy Challenges for the Jeju Casino Industry' will discuss the economic ripple effects of the industry and ways to increase its contribution to the local community.
Following the opening ceremony and keynote speech in the afternoon, the forum will explore strategies to strengthen competitiveness by linking casinos with accommodation, shopping, performances, and tourism content under the theme 'The Integration of Casinos into Tourism and Expansion into the Tourism Entertainment Industry.'
Subsequently, the session 'The Era of AX Transformation: Future Outlook and Policy Responses for the Casino Industry' will focus on changes in the casino operating environment due to AI technological innovation and the direction of regulatory system responses.
Moon Sung-jong, Chairman of the Jeju Casino Business Supervisory Committee, will present on 'The 10-Year Footsteps and Future of the Jeju Casino Policy Forum,' reflecting on past achievements and future development directions.
This forum is particularly significant as the Jeju casino industry faces several challenges despite its outward growth, including revenue polarization between businesses, excessive competition, and the need to secure trust in fair gaming.
Last year, the total revenue of the eight foreigner-only casinos in Jeju was approximately 646.5 billion KRW, a 40.8% increase from the previous year. However, there is a significant gap between operators, with Jeju Dream Tower Casino alone accounting for over 80% of the total revenue.
Furthermore, with the recent referral of casino personnel to the prosecution for alleged involvement in fraudulent gaming using marked cards against Chinese customers, there is a growing need for stronger internal controls, customer protection, and oversight of fair gaming.
Consequently, interest is high on whether this forum can provide practical policy alternatives to resolve competitive disparities, ensure transparent game operations, and secure international customer trust, alongside growth strategies for the industry.
During the event, various side events will be held, including a casino job fair, an exhibition of Kangwon Land's gaming equipment, gaming table demonstrations, and an exhibition of winning entries from the Jeju Tourism Souvenir Contest.
Launched in 2016, the Jeju International Casino Policy Forum has been held nine times to date, with approximately 2,150 participants from 10 countries, including the US, Singapore, Macau, Hong Kong, the UK, and New Zealand.
Hwang Kyung-sun, Director of the Jeju Tourism Exchange Bureau, stated, "The global casino industry is undergoing rapid changes due to technological innovation and the shift toward AI," adding, "We hope this forum will serve as a platform to discuss regional synergy and expand international exchanges based on the achievements of the past decade."
