Singapore Cracks Down on Illegal World Cup Betting

Singapore Police have arrested or placed under investigation 60 individuals as part of a nationwide enforcement campaign targeting illegal online gambling and the misuse of bank accounts during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The operation also led to the blocking or removal of more than 600 illegal gambling websites, mobile applications and social media posts linked to unlawful betting activities.

Authorities Expanded Enforcement Ahead of the Tournament

The enforcement campaign ran from 1 May to 20 July after authorities warned that illegal betting activity was likely to increase before and during the World Cup.

Ahead of the tournament, which began on 11 June, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Social and Family Development jointly announced tougher measures against illegal gambling.

Police also carried out a gambling suppression operation between 4 and 11 June, resulting in 11 people being investigated for suspected involvement in illegal online gambling and the misuse of bank accounts.

Including those earlier cases, the total number of people arrested or investigated reached 60, comprising 46 men and 14 women aged between 17 and 79.

Websites, Apps and Payments Disrupted

Alongside enforcement against suspects, authorities took action against the digital infrastructure supporting illegal gambling.

More than 600 websites, mobile applications and social media posts promoting unlawful gambling services were blocked or removed in an effort to reduce public access to illegal betting platforms.

Police also worked with financial institutions and payment service providers to prevent at least 6,900 attempted transactions connected to illegal gambling, with the blocked payments exceeding $600,000 in value.

According to the authorities, these measures were intended to disrupt both the promotion and financial flows associated with illegal betting during the tournament.

July Operation Leads to Additional Arrests

One of the largest operations took place on 6 July, when police arrested 19 individuals, including 16 men and three women aged between 45 and 76, for their suspected involvement in illegal online gambling activities.

During the raids, officers seized more than $730,000 in cash, along with mobile phones, computers and other gambling-related equipment. The confiscated items have been retained as evidence for the ongoing investigations.

Police noted that the published figures represent multiple enforcement actions conducted over several weeks, with the July operation forming a significant part of the broader campaign.

Authorities Maintain Tough Stance

Although the World Cup has concluded, Singapore Police reiterated that enforcement against illegal gambling will continue.

Authorities urged the public to avoid participating in unlawful gambling activities and confirmed that investigations and enforcement efforts will remain ongoing.

The latest campaign demonstrates Singapore’s continued focus on tackling illegal gambling through arrests, website blocking and financial disruption aimed at limiting both access to and funding of unlawful betting operations.