Amid increased internet use by adolescents due to COVID-19 and a growing risk of exposure to illegal online gambling, the Korea Center on Gambling Problems, Jeonbuk Center, announced on the 30th that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Yaho School to raise awareness of gambling problems among Jeonju youth and to operate alternative activity programs to replace gambling.

The Korea Center on Gambling Problems, Jeonbuk Center, is a specialized counseling and treatment organization for gambling problems that carries out prevention, treatment, and related program activities concerning addiction and gambling problems caused by the gambling industry. Since August 2017, it has been commissioned and operated by the Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Industry-Academia Cooperation Foundation.

Under the MOU, the two institutions pledged to work together to promote the healthy development of Jeonju youth and prevent gambling problems. They plan to explore the development and diversification of alternative activities to replace gambling, such as travel-school programs.

Yun Myeong-suk, Chair of the Operations Committee of the Korea Center on Gambling Problems and a professor in the Department of Social Welfare at Jeonbuk National University (JBNU), said, “To break free from gambling addiction, other activities that fill the void left by gambling are necessary. To this end, we will expand cooperation with various local youth organizations so that activities that help young people relieve stress and provide enjoyment and interest can increase.”

Going forward, the Korea Center on Gambling Problems, Jeonbuk Center, plans to develop collaborative efforts with various sectors of the community, not only youth, to raise awareness of and prevent gambling problems.

Meanwhile, anyone concerned about gambling problems can receive free gambling-related counseling services by phone at 1336 (24 hours, toll-free), via online chat Netline (netline.kcgp.or.kr), by SMS at #1336, or through the KakaoTalk chatbot.