SEOUL - A FORMER South Korean company boss who says he gambled away 30 billion won (S$34.2 million) in three years is suing a casino for allegedly fuelling his addiction, a report said on Monday.

The man identified only as Chung, 67, is appealing a court ruling last November which ordered the Kangwon Land casino to pay him 2.8 billion won in damages.

Mr Chung says this is not enough since between 2003 and 2006 he lost 30 billion won at the casino - the country's only one authorised to admit Koreans under strict gaming laws.

The former head of a leather products company claims the government-run casino turned a blind eye to him making bets above the legitimate limit.

Mr Chung says he knew nothing about gambling until he first visited the casino six years ago and believed he could recoup his losses by placing more bets.

'Then I got addicted,' the JoongAng Daily quoted him as saying.

Mr Chung, chafing at the 10 million won per-bet limit, hired up to five people as subordinate betters so he could wager up to 60 million won at a time.

'I still get the feeling that I can win back the money at the casino,' he was quoted as saying, adding he is currently undergoing weekly therapy for his gambling addiction.

Lawyers for Kangwon Land say Mr Chung lost his fortune in a 'voluntary and normal way.' -- AFP