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The Republic of Korea is a densely populated country situated in the East of Asia. South Korea borders Japan and North Korea and is popular for its militarised borders. Gambling is semi-regulated, with punters visiting only a single land-based casino called Kangwon. The sports betting scene is rather open, with major cities harbouring multiple state-run sports betting shops. Some of the best bookies by country operate in the country, given that there is no specific law hindering online sports betting. This article aims to take South Koreans through the list of top-rated bookies and describe the features that make them suitable.


What Are the Top Ranked South Korean Bookmakers?

The top six ranked South Korean bookmakers are comprehensive with amazing functions, and they consist of the following:

Pinnacle
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Payments Show all
  • Skrill
  • Neteller
  • MasterCard
  • Visa
  • Bank Wire Transfer
  • Paysafe Card
  • Payz
  • Neosurf
  • MuchBetter
  • AstroPay
  • Bitcoin
  • Boleto
  • CashtoCode
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • eCheque
  • IDebit
  • Instadebit
  • Instant Bank Transfer
  • Interact e-Transfer
  • JCB
  • Litecoin
  • Local Bank Transfer
  • Oxxo
  • Pay4Fun
  • PIX
  • Tether
  • WebMoney
22Bet
160,000 KRW welcome bonus
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  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • Cryptocurrencies
  • Jeton Wallet
  • Perfect Money
  • Payz
  • Skrill
  • Skrill 1-Tap
  • Neteller
  • Dogecoin
  • Bitcoin
  • Litecoin
  • Papara
  • Sticpay
  • Pay4Fun
  • AirTM
  • Paysafe Card
  • Sepa
  • Ethereum
  • BitcoinCash
1xBet
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  • Dogecoin
  • Litecoin
  • Bitcoin
  • Jeton Wallet
  • MoneyGO
  • Skrill 1-Tap
  • Vcreditos
  • AirTM
  • 1xbet Cash
  • Payz
  • Neteller
  • E-CURRENCY EXCHANGERS
  • SELF-SERVICE TERMINALS
  • Online Bank Transfer
  • Bank Wire Transfer
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Visa
  • WebMoney
  • Skrill
  • AstroPay
  • Perfect Money
  • Payeer
  • Pago Efectivo
  • Jeton Cash
  • Sticpay
BetWinner
194,575 KRW with SILENTBET code
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Payments Show all
  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • Jeton Cash
  • AstroPay
  • Perfect Money
  • Jeton Wallet
  • Sticpay
  • Vcreditos
  • AirTM
  • Pay4Fun
  • Inovapay
  • Paylivre
  • Skrill
  • Skrill 1-Tap
  • MiFinity
  • PicPay
  • Payz
  • Neteller
  • Bank Wire Transfer
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Bitcoin
  • Ethereum
  • Tron
1xBit
Up to 8.75 BTC Welcome Bonus
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  • Bitboat
  • BitSquare
  • Paymium
  • Coin ATM Radar
  • HappyCoins
  • Bitcoin.de
  • Wall of Coins
  • Coinmama
  • Belgacoin
  • Bitit
  • Crex24
  • BitPanda
  • CoinCorner
  • Mycelium Local Trader
  • LocalBitcoins
  • Bitcoin
  • Cryptocurrencies
Betway
$30 in free bets (~41 320 KRW)
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Payments Show all
  • Trustly
  • Rapid Transfer
  • PayPal
  • Neteller
  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • Vyne
  • Direct Bank Transfer

Leading Bookies in South Korea Listed

  1. Pinnacle – Number 1 bookie for the Republic of Korea
  2. 22bet – Best bonuses for Koreans
  3. 1xbet – High odds sportsbook
  4. Betwinner – Top specials and rewards
  5. 1xbit – Leading crypto bookie for SK
  6. Betway – Odds boosts and free bets for Koreans

South Korea’s TOP Bookmakers Reviewed

In 2024, the best betting sites in South Korea are listed above. Now we will review each bookie and focus on their main strengths and weaknesses.

Pinnacle

Our first pick is one of the best betting sites in South Korea, with more than 20 years of experience in the online gambling scene. The bookie Pinnacle is available in the Korean language, explaining its huge client base in the country. Pinnacle offers punters access to first-class betting services and a wonderful coverage of sports. For example, it offers soccer, badminton, and boxing events. South Koreans can also punt on major eSports tournaments.

Pinnacle sports  

Some of the main games covered in the eSports section include Dota2, Call of Duty, and Brawl Stars. Customers are free to choose between pre-match and live events. Pinnacle’s in-play betting section allows South Koreans to watch select matches live so long as they have an account. Besides, they can cut their bet short using cash-out. The betting function allows punters to make a bet independent of the outcome. All these features make Pinnacle ideal for any punter in South Korea.

  • Offers live statistics
  • Accepts Bitcoin
  • Has a simple website design
  • Offers live chat services
  • Withdrawal fees

22bet

This is an established sportsbook that is never absent from the best South Korean bookmakers list. The bookie is multilingual. Punters can switch their language to options they understand best. 22bet also allows members to bet on the move thanks of the fully functional mobile apps. What makes 22bet shine on the South Korean online betting scene is its fantastic sports coverage. The bookmaker covers top football, baseball, and cricket events accompanied by many betting markets.

22bet esports betting  

Bettors should expect popular betting options like Handicap, Match Winner, and Total Score. Another positive aspect about 22bet is that it has an open jackpot that any South Korean punter can participate in. Adding to the generous fixed-odds, this makes 22bet the ideal bookie for any South Korea punter. Last but not least, 22bet has a bet builder which helps punters place accumulator bets.

  • Offers live statistics
  • Allows virtual sports betting
  • Has live scores
  • Llive chat support
  • Has a few payment methods

1xbet

Our next entry is a renowned bookmaker in South Korea with multiple sports betting events. 1xbet specialises in providing punters with matches from top leagues. The international competitions covered include Serie A, Bundesliga, and English Premier League. Basketball fans can also punt on all NBA matches and other basketball tournaments. 1xbet new clients receive a compelling welcome bonus, whereas existing clients have recurring rewards.

1xbet Dota 2 betting  

The South Korean sportsbook has betting features make betting even more entertaining. One of the main 1xbet functions is cash-out, which punters can use to withdraw their wagers from continuing games. 1xbet also offers live streaming services for specific events. The feature provides live bettors with information they can use to place live bets. Punters who want to bet on the go should check the website’s footer for links to 1xbet mobile apps.

  • Accepts cryptocurrencies
  • Offers helpful live stats
  • Has live scores
  • Offers Outrights
  • Live markets are few per event

Betwinner

BetWinner is considered one of the best sites for betting in South Korea because of its flawless website design. It features a wonderful betting interface and South Korean players with active accounts can easily place pre-match and live bets. The pre-match section contains multiple markets with competitive odds. The live betting section offers live football, tennis, alpine skiing events, and more.

betwinner sportsbook  

The bookmaker has iOS and Android apps that punters can use to bet on the go. The operator has multiple payment methods to facilitate online betting. However, South Koreans must have verified accounts to use the available banking solutions. Betwinner also offers virtual sports betting services, with the main events being greyhound and virtual football.

  • Offers amazing promotions
  • Has live scores
  • Accepts cash-out
  • Has live chat
  • No VIP

1xbit

Betting on this sportsbook is fulfilling, especially if you compare it with other bookmakers in the country. 1xbit has a simple layout with responsive controls. The bookie also houses many events from famous sports like football, tennis, golf, and ice hockey. These events come with compelling fixed odds, which means punters are likely to end up with significant payouts. Sports betting service is available on the fast loading desktop and simple 1xbit apps.

1xBit live betting page  

In addition to a full sportsbook, the operator offers gamblers helpful betting features. South Koreans have access to the cash-out function, which they can use to withdraw their wagers from active events. Another function is live streaming. It allows live bettors to watch continuing events and make likely predictions. Lastly, 1xbit has live chat, which bettors can use to reach out to 1xbit customer representatives and make inquiries.

  • Has numerous offers
  • It is multilingual
  • Offers live betting services
  • Guarantees live statistics
  • Lacks a bet builder

Betway

Punters who are after elegance and functionality should consider the betway betting site. Betway is an offshore bookmaker operating in South Korea with everything a gambler needs to enjoy live betting. The bookie is multilingual with a valid licence, which makes it secure and trustworthy. The sportsbook lobby provides South Koreans access to interesting matches.

Betway LoL betting  

Punters can place football, golf, baseball, and cricket bets. Pre-match options have significant odds sizes with many betting markets. The main betting options on Betway include Draw No Bet, Asian Handicap, Both Teams to Score, and Correct Scores. Punters also have access to the best in-play betting events, with live Football games being more popular. Gamblers can activate the multiple Betway bonuses and use the funds to place bets. That is why Betway is on the list of best online bookies in South Korea.

  • Allows cash-out
  • Has a bet builder
  • Offers live streaming services
  • Has live chat
  • Offers a few payment methods

Which Criteria Do We Use to Rank South Korean Bookies?

When ranking the top bookmakers in South Korea, we use special criteria which analyses the following features:

  • Bonuses – We ensure a bookie has compelling bonuses before adding them to the list of best-betting sites in South Korea. Promo offers that a bookie should never miss include deposit bonuses and reload offers.
  • Odds – Top bookmakers in South Korea offer punters competitive live and pre-match odds. Punters should also be free to switch odds between Hong Kong, European, and Decimal formats.
  • Cash-out – Cash-out is a feature that allows punters to initiate early payouts of active bets. Before considering a bookie to be a top betting site in South Korea, it must have a cash-out feature. Cash-out can be partial or full.
  • Live Betting – We always look for bookmakers that offer live betting services. With an in-play section, punters can place live bets whether on the go or their computers.
  • Live Streaming – Live streaming is a crucial live betting function that should never miss on a sportsbook. We only rate high bookies that allow punters to live stream different sports events, not just eSports.
  • Markets – Betting markets such as Match Winner, Draw No Bet, and Handicap must be part of the betting options on an event. A good bookmaker should have at least 500 betting markets per match with basic and complex markets represented.

What Are the Basics of the South Korean Gambling Industry?

Punters should note the following facts about the South Korean betting industry before gambling in the country.

  • Currency: Korean Republic Won – KRW
  • Population: 51.78 million
  • Active Players: 6.7 million
  • Designated Authority: None
  • Regulated Gambling Products: Lotteries, bookmakers, and casinos
  • Types of Operators: Online offshore bookies and physical operators

Did you know that?

  • Kangwon Casino is an online establishment with the permit to accept local punters.
  • 19 years is the legal gambling age in South Korea
  • All sports betting shops are run by the state.

What Are the Certified Sports Betting Steps?

The certified steps that punters from South Korea should use to place sports bets are highlighted below. These include:

  1. Select a bookie from the ones listed in this read.
  2. Register for an account.
  3. Sign in to your sportsbook account.
  4. Select a suitable event.
  5. Go through the markets provided.
  6. Compare the odds.
  7. Wager the right amount.
  8. Complete betting by submitting the bet slip.

Gambling in South Korea: Things to Consider

Some of the top details South Korean punters should know about online betting in the country are listed here. Gamblers should go through the details to obtain relevant information.

South Korea does not have any rules barring online bookies operating in the country. In short, the country allows sports betting.

Are There Offshore Bookmakers That Restrict South Korean?

None of the offshore bookmakers restricts South Koreans. After all, South Korea does not have strict rules that keep international bookies from operating in the country.

Does South Korea Tax Winnings?

The South Korean government does not tax gambling winnings. Lucky South Koreans get to keep everything they get, whether they receive the earnings from an international bookie or a local bookmaker.


What Are the Most Attractive Bonus Types in South Korea?

The most compelling bonuses in South Korea include deposit bonus offers which come in free cash or free bet formats. Cashback and reload bonuses are also popular and attractive in the country.


Which Are the Top Sports Offered by South Korea Betting Sites?

Most punters in South Korea favour the following sports compared to other sports offered by bookmakers:

  • Football
  • Ice hockey
  • MMA
  • Boxing
  • Baseball
  • Horse racing

These sports are available for pre-match and live betting. The operators also offer punters access to live streaming and cash-out functions making online betting enjoyable.


Are Online Casinos Popular in South Korea?

Online casinos are popular among South Korean punters. The country contains many online casinos which allow players to enjoy slots, poker, and blackjack table games. However, players must sign up on the available casinos to gamble for real money.


Which Banking Solutions Do South Korean Bookies Offer?

South Korean bookies’ most common payment methods include Sticpay, Neteller, ecoPayz, and Skrill. Punters gambling on offshore bookmakers should refrain from using bank transfer methods to avoid government problems.


Do Bookmakers in South Korea Have Mobile Apps?

1xBet, Betwinner, 22Bet, and Betway are some of the bookies in South Korea that have iOS and Android apps. Other bookmakers have functional mobile betting sites, which are equally useful for punters who want to gamble on the move.


Which Is the Top Bookmaker in South Korea in 2024?

According to Silentbet, the top 2024 betting site in South Korea is Pinnacle. The bookie comes with a simple layout and many matches that punters can access on the pre-match or live section. Pinnacle also has features like cash-out and live streaming that make sports betting easy.

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Website: www.pinnacle.com
Type: High Odds, American
Owner: Ragnarok Corporation N.V.
Founded: 1998
Country: Malta
License: Curaçao eGaming License, Malta Gaming Authority

Conclusion

South Korea is one of the few countries crawling with some of the best bookies in the world. The nation has many international bookmakers and a single casino that accepts locals compared to local bookies. If you have read this piece, you should know that sportsbooks operating in South Korea are rich in features. The betting sites are also safe, as explained in this article.


FAQs

Which are the common betting markets in South Korea?

Both Teams to Score, Match Winner, Double Chance, and Handicap are the most common betting markets in South Korea.

How can punters reset their passwords on any bookmaker operating in South Korea?

Punters can reset their password on any South Korean bookmaker using the reset password link. The link is usually added on the sign-in page of the bookie.

How long does it take to register for a sportsbook account in South Korea?

It takes only a few minutes to register on any bookie in South Korea. After all, the bookmakers have a simplified registration form.

Is Betwinner legal in South Korea?

Betwinner is legal in South Korea. The bookie is among the best betting sites with fulfilling betting services.


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    Author: Katerina Gadzheva
    Certified Betting Expert
    Katerina Gadzheva
    Katerina has 10+ years of experience in iGaming. She has been a player long before that. Using her skills as a content writer and first-hand knowledge of the online gambling industry, she reviews and compares online casinos for Silentbet.
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