Grand Korea Leisure Co Ltd (GKL) has outlined a long-term strategy aimed at increasing its casino revenue and strengthening shareholder returns, with a target of reaching KRW503.8 billion ($340 million) in annual casino sales by the end of the decade.

The plan, disclosed through a corporate filing, sets out a steady growth trajectory from the company’s 2025 performance. Casino sales for that year ranged between KRW422.9 billion and KRW425.3 billion, indicating that the new target would represent an increase of roughly 19 percent over current levels.

GKL operates three foreigner-only casinos in South Korea under the Seven Luck brand, with two locations in Seoul and one in Busan. The company is majority-owned by the Korea Tourism Organization, which operates under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Revenue Growth Linked to Market Expansion

A central part of the company’s strategy involves expanding its customer base beyond traditional markets. GKL has identified Taiwan, Thailand, and Mongolia as key regions for future growth, with plans to increase engagement among international visitors.

The company also intends to enhance its digital marketing approach, particularly for mass-market customers. Upgrades to its Seven Luck mobile platform are expected to support this effort by improving user engagement and accessibility.

In addition to geographic expansion, GKL plans to strengthen its brand through the integration of Korean cultural content. The company aims to connect its casino operations with broader tourism offerings, using the global appeal of K-culture to attract foreign visitors.

The strategy also includes efforts to improve customer acquisition and service delivery, which the company sees as important for sustaining long-term growth.

Financial Targets and Dividend Policy

Alongside revenue goals, GKL has reaffirmed its focus on shareholder returns. The company plans to maintain a dividend payout ratio above 40 percent, consistent with expectations for government-affiliated entities.

As reported by Asia Gaming Brief, recent financial results indicate that GKL has already exceeded this benchmark. For 2025, the company reported a payout ratio of 54.4 percent, with total dividends reaching KRW25.6 billion. This represented a year-on-year increase from KRW17.44 billion in 2024.

The company also announced a final dividend payment of KRW354 per share, combined with an interim dividend of KRW60 per share, contributing to the overall payout level.

Net profit for the year rose significantly, increasing by 42.4 percent to KRW47.07 billion. Total revenue reached approximately KRW423 billion, reflecting continued recovery in the sector.

Management has stated that future dividend decisions will take into account investment plans, financial conditions, and broader market factors.

As part of its broader plan, GKL is targeting an A+ rating under the Korea ESG Standards Board evaluation system. The company’s approach includes maintaining compliance standards while aligning with sustainability expectations.

The corporate plan also highlights the importance of building a wider business ecosystem. This includes linking casino operations with tourism and entertainment services, as well as developing partnerships that support international visitor growth.

GKL noted that it will continue to explore opportunities in both digital and physical channels. While the company previously considered acquiring its own casino property in Seoul, it has instead focused on refining its existing operations and expanding market reach.