Grand Korea Leisure adds AI robots to modernise casino operations
South Korea’s Grand Korea Leisure Co Ltd (GKL), the operator of foreigner-only casinos under the Seven Luck brand, has announced a new partnership with robotics company Robotis to introduce artificial intelligence (AI)-powered self-driving robots at its casino properties. The agreement, signed last week, marks a major step in GKL’s move toward becoming a “smart casino” operator. The new technology is aimed at enhancing customer experience and streamlining casino operations.
As per the agreement, the two businesses will use autonomous robots to develop a business model and service system. Participating in the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy’s extensive convergence robot demonstration project, autonomous robots will deliver game chips and cards to three Seven Luck stores.
As part of the Grand Korea Leisure Casino’s digital commercialisation project, this business agreement was established. To secure autonomous driving data, the two companies also aim to work together to develop a program that reflects the business environment and pilot autonomous driving robots carrying game chips and cards at Seven Luck Seoul Dragon City for six months starting in September 2024.
Rollout follows six-month pilot
This initiative follows a six-month pilot project that began in September 2024 at the Seven Luck Casino in Seoul Dragon City. The trial, which concluded recently, reportedly delivered promising results in terms of both efficiency and guest engagement. The robots were able to move independently and safely within the complex environment of the casino, completing tasks typically carried out by staff.
Chief Executive Officer Yoon Doo-hyun said the move aligns with the South Korean government’s drive to build a “digital platform government”. He stated, “GKL is accelerating its transition to smart casinos in line with the government’s vision. By adopting AI-powered self-driving robots, we aim to provide a new and differentiated customer experience.”
The introduction of robotic assistance is expected not only to boost efficiency but also to reduce the burden on human staff, particularly for repetitive and time-consuming tasks.
Robotis: Carving niche in robotics
For the unaware, Robotis has won awards like the iF Design Award in 2024 and has been actively exhibiting its autonomous service robots, like “Gaemi,” at various events. Meanwhile, GKL presently runs three casinos in South Korea that are only open to foreign visitors. The third property is in the southern port city of Busan, while the other two are in Seoul, including one in the well-known Gangnam neighborhood.
Financially, GKL reported total casino sales of KRW 108.25 billion (€67.6 million) in the first quarter of 2025, a 15.6 percent increase over the same period last year. And so, GKL hopes to establish itself as a pioneer in casino experiences with the new collaboration and technology launch.
