GKL expands search for ‘VIP gaming partners’ for 2030 goal: Report
Grand Korea Leisure Co Ltd (GKL), the South Korean operator of foreigner-only casinos under the Seven Luck brand, is expanding its search for junket partners, which it refers to as “VIP gaming partners”, as part of its long-term growth strategy.
According to an exclusive report by GGRAsia, the company confirmed that the recruitment drive is linked to its plan to reach KRW503.8 billion (US$334.4 million) in annual revenue by 2030. The target was included in GKL’s corporate-value enhancement programme, known as the “Value-up Plan”, which was filed with the Korea Exchange on 26 March.
The company had earlier said in a brief statement through its marketing strategy team that it was “looking for ‘VIP gaming partners’ to build the future together”. A GKL representative later told the media outlet that the move was “part of efforts” to meet the 2030 revenue goal.
Focus on markets where direct marketing is difficult
GKL said it is looking for junket partners in places where direct marketing “is difficult”. The company did not name specific countries, but it said it is especially interested in gaining clients from “emerging markets”.
These are generally markets where economies are growing faster than in more developed regions and where casino operators often see opportunities to attract new high-value customers.
The spokesperson also said GKL had already recruited some junkets and explained that the current recruitment drive is meant to “enhance transparency and fairness” for its VIP partners. No further details were given on how this would be carried out.
Junkets remain an important part of the VIP casino business across Asia, particularly for operators targeting overseas premium players. They help bring in international guests from markets where direct promotion may be limited by regulations or practical barriers. For GKL, this move supports a broader customer acquisition strategy while keeping its focus on foreign visitors.
Seven Luck casinos and foreigner-only model
GKL operates under the Korea Tourism Organization, which is associated with South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The company runs three foreigner-only casinos under its Seven Luck brand, with two located in Seoul and one in Busan. These casinos serve international visitors, as local South Korean residents are generally not allowed to gamble in domestic casinos except at Kangwon Land.
South Korea’s casino sector follows a tightly controlled model. Most licensed casinos in the country serve only foreign nationals, which makes international visitor traffic and overseas VIP recruitment especially important for operators such as GKL.
This is one reason why the company’s Value-up Plan also includes efforts to expand its customer base in overseas markets such as Taiwan, Thailand and Mongolia, while also strengthening digital marketing through improvements to its Seven Luck mobile app. These steps are aimed at both VIP and mass-market customer growth.
Sales growth despite weaker monthly performance
GKL reported group-wide revenues of around KRW422.95 billion ($280.7 million) for the entire year 2025, a 6.7 per cent increase over the previous year. Operating income was KRW52.64 billion ($35.2 million), and its provisional net profit was KRW47.07 billion ($31.4 million). The majority of the company’s casino sales came from table games, which remained the primary source of income.
However, March 2026 figures showed a softer month for the operator.
GKL booked casino sales of KRW31.98 billion ($21.3 million) in March, a 16.0 per cent fall from KRW38.08 billion ($25.4 million) in February. On a year-on-year basis, March casino sales fell 22.8 per cent.
The weaker March result came as South Korea’s foreigner-only casino sector also saw softer monthly revenue across operators, even as annual figures remained stronger.
The difference between full-year growth and the recent monthly decline shows why GKL is focusing more on expanding its overseas customer base and building stronger VIP partnerships.
Wider operational planning underway
Alongside its customer expansion strategy, GKL is also reviewing external risks that could affect operations. Late last month, the group said it had formed a company task force to look at ways to respond operationally to rising oil prices and energy supply instability caused by tensions in the Middle East.
The review is expected to focus on how wider economic pressures could affect tourism flows, operating costs and overall business stability.
The combination of junket recruitment and operational planning shows GKL balancing immediate market challenges with longer-term revenue goals.
With its 2030 target now clearly set at KRW503.8 billion ($334.4 million), the operator is working on both customer growth and internal resilience as competition for international casino players continues across Asia.
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