Singapore authorities will step up enforcement against illegal gambling during the FIFA World Cup 2026 as they prepare for a rise in betting activity.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Social and Family Development announced a series of measures to tackle illegal gambling and raise awareness of problem gambling ahead of the competition.
The ministries said major international sporting events, such as the World Cup, typically generate increased interest in gambling. Their statement said: “Unlike licensed operators, illegal operators do not provide responsible gambling safeguards and may expose individuals and their families to significant financial and social harm.”
Public education efforts will also be expanded, with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) launching a campaign video and rolling out its “Every bet costs something” initiative. The campaign will be shown during matches on television, across digital and social media platforms and at locations near betting outlets.
The council typically runs its World Cup campaign every four years to discourage excessive football betting.
Separately, the National Crime Prevention Council will increase awareness of the risks and penalties associated with illegal betting through online and offline publicity campaigns.
Under Singapore’s Online Criminal Harms Act, online service providers are required to restrict access to illegal gambling services and related advertisements. Bank accounts and credit card payments linked to illegal operators are also blocked.
Singapore Pools remains the only licensed operator for lotteries, sports betting and remote gambling services in the country.
Individuals who play with illegal operators can be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to six months or both
