Key Moments:
- GKL posted casino revenue of KRW34.8 billion (US$25 million) in September 2025, a 0.8 percent decrease from August but a 1.4 percent rise year-on-year.
- Table game turnover grew 0.6 percent month-on-month in September, while machine game turnover dropped 12.4 percent compared with August.
- Year-to-date casino sales for 2025 reached KRW318.7 billion (US$229 million), down 10.9 percent from the previous year.
Monthly Revenue Trends
Grand Korea Leisure (GKL), operator of foreigner-exclusive casinos in South Korea, released its financial results for September 2025, showing largely consistent casino revenue levels. The reported figure for the month reached KRW34.8 billion (US$25 million), reflecting a slight 0.8 percent decrease from August. Compared to September of the previous year, revenue increased by 1.4 percent.
Gaming Segment Insights
In September, table game turnover stood at KRW31.4 billion (US$22.6 million), up just 0.6 percent from the prior month. Meanwhile, machine game turnover fell sharply by 12.4 percent to KRW3.4 billion (US$2.4 million) from August. Despite this monthly drop, machine gaming recorded a strong year-on-year increase of 26 percent compared to September 2024. Table revenue saw a slight year-on-year decrease of 0.8 percent.
Year-to-Date Performance
For the first nine months of 2025, GKL posted total casino sales of KRW318.7 billion (US$229 million), representing a 10.9 percent decline year-on-year. Table game sales made up KRW289.3 billion (US$208 million), with a 10.6 percent increase over the same period last year. Machine game sales also performed well, rising 13.9 percent to KRW29.4 billion (US$21.1 million).
| Metric | September 2025 | Change MoM | Change YoY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casino Revenue | KRW34.8B (US$25M) | -0.8% | +1.4% |
| Table Game Turnover | KRW31.4B (US$22.6M) | +0.6% | -0.8% |
| Machine Game Turnover | KRW3.4B (US$2.4M) | -12.4% | +26% |
| Staked Total | KRW316B (US$227M) | -0.8% | -13.8% |
Casino Operations and Market Position
GKL manages three “Seven Luck” casinos in Seoul and Busan. Its operations are structured to serve exclusively foreign patrons, adhering to South Korea’s regulations prohibiting citizens from gambling at these casinos. As a branch of the Korea Tourism Organization, GKL supports the country’s broader efforts to attract international visitors, which in turn bolsters related hospitality and tourism sectors.
Sector Outlook
GKL’s casino revenue remained stable during the reported period, highlighting the company’s ability to navigate monthly variations in gaming performance. While table games experienced modest revenue growth compared to August, the significant drop in machine gaming revenue emphasized the relative volatility within individual segments.
The year-on-year improvement indicates sustained strength in GKL’s business, driven in part by ongoing interest from foreign tourists. South Korea’s casino industry is also benefiting from government initiatives aimed at increasing tourism and access for international visitors.
- Author
Daniel Williams
