Faker, the iconic figure in League of Legends and widely considered the greatest player of all time, is teaming up with the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) in its initiative to tackle youth gambling. This week, Faker, whose real name is Lee Sang-hyeok, was appointed an honorary police officer by the KNPA to aid in spreading awareness about the perils of online gambling among young people.
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A Legendary Figure Takes on a New Role
The 30-year-old Seoul native, who has won six League of Legends World Championships and claims ten domestic titles, will promote the KNPA’s campaign. An impressive trophy cabinet complements his spot on the T1 esports team, where his annual salary is reported to be around $7 million. The KNPA stated through its social media channels that Faker’s new role will be to act as a promotional ambassador for its voluntary reporting system, designed to help youths self-report gambling issues. “And we hope Faker’s involvement will encourage young people struggling with cyber gambling to come forward,” said Yoo Jae-sung, acting commissioner of the KNPA.
The Intersection of Esports and Gambling
Esports, particularly in Asia, has seen its lines blur with gambling over the past two decades. Korea and China are at the heart of this industry, contributing about 60% of global esports activity. The acceptance of esports betting by Riot Games, the company behind League of Legends, illustrates this trend. The presence of gambling in games includes bets on outcomes and the contentious loot boxes, which critics liken to slot machines. South Korea’s government actively invests in the esports sector through the Korea eSports Association, supported by major corporations like SK Group and Samsung. The integration of gambling elements in esports has led to concerns about youths developing gambling addictions, risking money, and engaging in dangerous behaviors.
Youth Support Initiatives
In May, the KNPA rolled out its Youth Cyber Gambling Voluntary Reporting System. This program is tailored to encourage young individuals to self-report gambling concerns. But those who step forward receive assessments and counseling from professional psychologists to address their issues. By mid-July, the initiative had already registered 806 intakes, with the program running until the end of August. “The key is early detection and intervention to prevent gambling problems from escalating,” added Yoo Jae-sung, emphasizing the importance of the campaign. Faker’s major social media following—over 2.7 million on Instagram—could prove influential in reaching young people who might benefit from these services.
Looking Ahead
The KNPA’s campaign, bolstered by Faker’s celebrity status, will continue through August. The authorities hope his involvement will motivate more young people to seek help, potentially reshaping the market of youth gambling intervention in South Korea. The results of this initiative could also inform future strategies for tackling similar issues as esports continue to grow.
Eri Gaitu leads the news desk at Best in Slot, tracking breaking developments across the gambling world in real time. From exclusive bonus offers and casino launches to licensing updates and regulatory shifts, Eri ensures readers are always first to know about the changes that matter to their gaming experience.
