The organizations, including the Korea Casino Association, Korea Tourism Association, Korea Hotel Association and Korea Association of Travel Agents, issued a joint statement urging the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to withdraw the reform measures currently under review. The Korea Casino Association said the current system creates a unique burden because casino companies pay into the fund according to sales figures while also managing other tax obligations. In fact, over the past decade, about half (8 to 15) of the 17 to 18 domestic casino operators have suffered from annual operating deficits.” The Korea Casino Association has also pointed to the sector’s existing contribution history. Seo Won-seok said, “Excessive regulation could rather weaken the competitiveness of the K casino industry.