Addressing illegal gambling and problem gambling during FIFA World Cup 2026

1. The Ministry of Home Affairs will be stepping up enforcement efforts against illegal gambling during the FIFA World Cup 2026 from 11 June to 19 July 2026.

2. Major international sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup generate heightened interest in gambling activities, including illegal gambling. Such activities can pose serious law and order concerns. Unlike licensed operators, illegal operators do not provide responsible gambling safeguards, and may expose individuals and their families to significant financial and social harm.

Enforcement against Illegal Gambling Activities

3. All gambling activities in Singapore are illegal unless authorised, licensed or exempted under the Gambling Control Act. Singapore Pools (Private) Limited (“SPPL”) is the only operator licensed to provide lotteries, sports betting, and remote gambling services in Singapore. All other gambling operators, whether operating in-person or online, are illegal.

4. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) conducts regular enforcement operations against illegal gambling operators, including against those who assist gambling syndicates. To combat illegal online gambling, SPF issues directions under the Online Criminal Harms Act requiring online service providers to restrict access to illegal online gambling services and advertisements, including illegal football betting. SPF also works with stakeholders to terminate local phone numbers used to advertise illegal gambling services, and block bank account and credit card payments linked to illegal online gambling. These measures reduce access to illegal platforms and protect the public from exposure to illegal gambling.

5. Under the Gambling Control Act, individuals who conduct illegal gambling activities face severe penalties, including fines of up to $500,000 and imprisonment of up to seven years; and for repeat offenders, a fine of up to $700,000 and imprisonment of up to 10 years. Individuals who gamble with illegal operators may be fined up to $10,000, imprisoned up to six months, or both. These penalties apply regardless of whether the illegal activity takes place physically or online.

Public Awareness against Problem Gambling

6. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) will intensify public education efforts during the World Cup season. A new campaign, "Every bet costs something ^[1]" will be launched to caution against excessive betting. The campaign video depicts a young father losing everything that matters to him – his possessions, home, family, relationships, and the trust of his loved ones. It will be screened during football matches on TV, across digital and social media platforms, and at spaces near betting outlets.

7. Mr Sim Gim Guan, Chairman of NCPG said, "The World Cup 2026 is a key sporting event that attracts many sports enthusiasts. We want people to enjoy the games without falling into problem gambling. When betting spirals out of control, you may lose everything that truly matters – your home, your relationships, and the trust of your loved ones. We urge everyone to recognise the signs of problem gambling and seek professional help early if you or someone you know needs support."

8. Separately, the National Crime Prevention Council will launch a public education campaign to raise awareness of the risks and penalties associated with illegal betting activities. The campaign will include advertisements and banners online and in the physical spaces, as well as anti-illegal betting collaterals to be distributed at community events.

Advisory on Illegal Gambling and Problem Gambling

9. Members of the public are reminded not to participate in illegal gambling, and to exercise personal responsibility if they choose to bet. Family members, friends and the wider community also play an important role in recognising signs of addiction and encouraging those affected to seek help early. They may call the NCPG Helpline at 1800-6-668-668 or use the webchat at www.ncpg.org.sg ↗ (opens in new tab).

10. Members of the public who encounter illegal gambling websites or advertisements are advised to call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jD4UtJcLGNY ↗ (opens in new tab)