Jeju Government Suspends Felix Casino Until February 2027 After Staff Cheating Allegations

The Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Government has imposed a three-month operational suspension on Felix Casino, formerly Gold Mountain Casino, effective from November 2.

The move follows an investigation into allegations that staff cheated three Chinese customers out of approximately KRW100 million (US$74,900) during blackjack games on June 7 and 8. The casino changed its name on August 12 to improve its image, a government official told GGRAsia.

Timeline of Regulatory Action

Authorities notified the operator in late September of the proposed suspension and held a hearing completed by October 20. The order issued on October 30 took effect two days later. The operator objected that notice arrived Friday evening before the Monday start, leaving inadequate time to handle arrangements for customers, employees, and business partners. The government responded that all administrative steps were properly completed.

Allegations were referred to prosecutors on September 11 for a separate criminal probe. The suspension was applied under the venue's new name.

Status of Jeju's Foreigner-Only Casinos

Jeju island maintains eight foreigner-only casinos. Three facilities are currently closed, including this one. Jeju Wanli Casino separately suspended operations on October 31 and remains shut until December 31, with the local government citing financial difficulties.

The case illustrates the direct business cost when internal controls fail to prevent customer disputes, even as the operator disputes only the notice timing rather than the underlying findings. Operators in this market now face clear precedent on both enforcement speed and the priority given to game integrity over short-term operational convenience.