Sports Betting Overview: South Korea, Italy, U.K. - Legal Gambling Expansion in Focus
UK Parliament Reopens Inquiry into Gambling Regulation Amid Criticism
In the world of gaming, two significant developments are unfolding in South Korea and Italy. While South Korea is on the brink of potentially legalizing esports betting, Italy has already established a legal and regulated esports betting market.
South Korea's Esports Betting on the Horizon
As of mid-2025, South Korea is in the process of potentially legalizing esports betting. A government-backed proposal called "Esports Toto" aims to extend the existing Sports Toto regulated betting system to professional esports matches. If approved, legalized esports betting could launch as early as 2026, allowing fans to place bets on games like League of Legends and Dota 2 through a state-regulated platform.
The proposed "Esports Toto" platform follows earlier talks between Sports Toto officials and LCK organizers. The Korean e-Sports Association (KeSPA) has also proposed this platform to lawmakers. However, it's important to note that this move does not involve Riot Games' allowing betting sponsors for teams in League of Legends and Valorant.
Italy Already Has a Thriving Esports Betting Market
Italy has already legalized esports betting, as part of its broader regulated gambling framework. Italy permits esports betting with licensed operators, integrating it into its existing online and retail sports betting markets. This has made Italy one of the established markets for legal esports wagering in Europe.
UK's Wide-Ranging Inquiry into Gambling Regulation
In a separate development, the All-Party Parliamentary Group in the UK has reopened a wide-ranging inquiry into gambling regulation. The inquiry is amid growing criticism of the Gambling Commission and stalled white paper reforms in the UK. The focus of this inquiry is on legal U.K. sports betting. Operators and charities are expected to submit evidence as Parliament reconsiders the legal U.K. sports betting future.
The inquiry will assess various aspects, including whether current laws, especially the 2005 Gambling Act, adequately protect consumers in the digital age. It will also evaluate ad bans, affordability checks, and the proposed gambling ombudsman. The move could generate up to $175 million in revenue annually, and the Italian government has proposed limited reauthorization of legal online sportsbook deals. Italy may also reverse course on its ban on sports betting sponsorships.
Summary
| Country | Current Status (2025) | Details | Expected Changes | |------------|-----------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------| | South Korea| Not yet legal but pending legalization | Esports betting proposal "Esports Toto" under government review; could launch in 2026 | Legalization likely by 2026 | | Italy | Already legal | Esports betting allowed through licensed operators under national gambling laws | Existing framework maintained | | UK | Under review | Wide-ranging inquiry into gambling regulation; focus on legal U.K. sports betting | Potential changes in regulation |
As these developments unfold, the landscape of esports betting regulation is evolving, with South Korea and Italy leading the way in legalizing and regulating this growing sector.
The UK government is reconsidering the regulation of sports betting, as an inquiry into gambling laws is underway, focusing on legal sports betting in the UK.
In South Korea, there are plans to potentially legalize esports betting, with the government-backed "Esports Toto" proposal aimed at extending the existing Sports Toto regulated betting system.
Italy, on the other hand, already has a legal and regulated market for esports betting, allowing sports betting on esports through licensed operators.
Meanwhile, in the world of mainstream sports, the NBA has expressed its support for regulated sports betting, emphasizing the need for clear odds and accurate data to ensure fairness and integrity in sports betting.
