[Young journalist Kim Jiyul] Based on the report, the number of gambling addicts has more than doubled in the last five years. The number of patients has also increased every year among young people in their 20s and 30s, surpassing 1,000 each last year. 

According to the data received by the office of the people's power of Kim Doeup from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, from 2020 to 2024(January~ November), there are 12,702 people(including duplication) who got a cure for gambling addiction. 

The number of gambling addicts has increased every year, from 1,767 in 2020 to 2,186 in 2021, 2,442 in 2022, 2,942 in 2023 and 3,365 in 2024. Compared to the last five years, the difference is more than double. 

The ages of gambling addicts are 30s(4476) and 20s(4441) were the most common. In other words, teens are the most addicted to gambling. There are also many gambling addicts in their  40s(1857), teens(784), 50s(696), 70s and older(73). 

Especially, gambling addicts especially keep increasing between the ages of 20s and 30s. In 2020, the number of gambling addicts was 630, but in 2021,800, 2022, 878, 2023,999, and 1134 in 2024, it increased almost twice in 4 years. 

The number of gambling addicts in their 30s also increased significantly from 629 in 2020 to 1,130 in 2024. 

Rep. Kim pointed out “it is a serious situation that the number of gambling addicts keep increasing.” “As gambling addiction is highly likely to lead to secondary gambling related crimes, it is serious to come up with measures as soon as possible.” 

According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(KCDC), there were more male gambling addicts, but now, females and even teens are addicted to gambling. Like other addictions, gambling addiction is not easy to treat, so prevention and early treatment are the most important. 

To effectively cure gambling addiction, it is good to do medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and family education together. Even though you got addicted to gambling, you could get help from ‘Korea Gambling Problem Prevention and Healing Center’. If you call ‘1336’ without a national number, you can receive telephone consultations 365 days and 24 hours a day regarding gambling issues.

▶원문 기사: 도박에 빠진 청년들...20·30대 중독 환자 2000명 이상 (이코노미스트, 2025. 1.27)

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