Kangwon Land rolls out RFID tech in casinos, confirms KOMSCO
Kangwon Land, South Korea’s sole casino permitted to serve domestic residents, has completed a major upgrade of its gaming currency with the introduction of radio-frequency identification (RFID)-enabled casino chips.
The new chips, developed by Korea Minting and Security Printing Corp (KOMSCO), are part of a long-awaited modernisation effort at the highland resort, located around 150 kilometres from Seoul. The upgrade comes as part of Kangwon Land’s broader refurbishment strategy, which also includes the construction of a second casino building on-site.
Deployment follows 2023 agreement
A memorandum of understanding was signed between Kangwon Land Inc. and KOMSCO in May 2023, paving the way for the overhaul. The new chips replace denominations that had been in continuous use since 2003, including KRW 1 million (€678), KRW 100,000, KRW 10,000, and KRW 5,000 units.
For the unaware, RFID technology enables real-time chip tracking at gaming tables, enhancing cash flow monitoring, fraud detection, and transparency. Although nearly two decades old, these upgrades are expected to boost security and efficiency significantly.
Beyond RFID, the chips also help in advanced anti-counterfeiting features. These include photonic crystal films and fluorescent multiplexing, making them highly resistant to duplication and easier to authenticate under surveillance.
The chips are manufactured using a hybrid system that combines domestic production of key components with internationally sourced technology. This blend ensures high security while aligning with South Korea’s production capabilities.
KOMSCO and casinos: a trusted partnership
KOMSCO already has registered experience in making casino chips. In 2019, they supplied chips to Grand Korea Leisure Co., Ltd., which operates three casinos catering to foreign visitors. This provided them with a good understanding of the strict rules in South Korea’s casino industry, enabling them to create the right kind of chips for Kangwon Land.
Adding RFID chips is a crucial step for Kangwon Land to stay competitive in the region and comply with stricter regulations regarding security and monitoring.
As the only casino in South Korea open to locals, Kangwon Land is in a unique position. Experts say that using new and secure technology is key to building trust, following regulations properly, and providing customers with a better experience.
