Group seeks inclusion of esports in South Korea's betting scheme??
The Korea e-Sports Association (KeSPA) has formally submitted a policy proposal to the Democratic Party of Korea, recommending the introduction of esports as a new category within the Sports Promotion Voting Rights system, commonly known as Sports Toto. According to local media, Inven, the proposal was delivered to the office of Democratic Party member Kang Yoo-jung. It outlined various measures aimed at ensuring sustainable growth for the e-sports sector.
KeSPA argued that, despite esports functioning with a global league and club system, it lacks a stable foundation in terms of institutional and financial support. The proposed integration into Sports Toto would allow esports to receive a share of the National Sports Promotion Fund, which currently supports traditional sports through professional team operations, league activation, infrastructure development, and youth programmes.
To implement this change, KeSPA recommended amending the Enforcement Decree of the Sports Promotion Voting Rights Act. It further suggested a gradual rollout, beginning with selected leagues and games as pilot projects. KeSPA also called for the establishment of dedicated implementation guidelines to address fairness, selection criteria, and gambling-related concerns.
Expansion of esports industry centre proposed
In addition to the esports betting proposal, KeSPA outlined plans to enhance the role of the national esports centre. The association envisions the centre becoming a core hub for South Korea’s esports industry. Expanded functions would include applying content support policies to esports, promoting international investment, facilitating player exchange programmes, and generating new policy initiatives.
KeSPA said such developments would not only broaden the scope of the esports industry but also stimulate fresh economic opportunities.
Measures to strengthen the esports ecosystem??
The proposal also included policies aimed at nurturing related industries such as data analytics, device manufacturing, infrastructure, and content production. Suggestions include support for the development of advanced gaming equipment, data utilisation for match analysis, expansion of dedicated e-sports facilities, and creation of links with other sectors like traditional sports, media, tourism, and entertainment.
KeSPA said the measures would not only benefit the core esports industry but also drive job creation and develop new market avenues.
Focus on player welfare and rights
also highlighted the need for policies that enhance job security and safeguard the rights of esports athletes. The proposal included the introduction of a student athlete training system, the establishment of an esports division within the Armed Forces Athletic Corps, and the development of athlete wellness and safeguarding programmes.
Promoting South Korea as a global leader in esports
The proposal concluded with recommendations to promote domestic esports titles in international competitions. KeSPA hopes to enhance the global presence of Korean games by working with international sports bodies to integrate domestic titles into official events. Additional strategies include the development of virtual e-sports formats and the strengthening of content sovereignty.
These efforts are intended to support the export of Korea’s gaming content, revitalise related sectors, and secure the country’s reputation as a leading esports nation. The Democratic Party’s Special Committee on Games, established in February, is tasked with supporting these types of initiatives.
