Malaysia steps up gambling monitoring ahead of World Cup 2026
Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is intensifying its monitoring of websites, social media platforms and online services that may be linked to illegal gambling activities. The regulator said major international sporting events often coincide with increased online promotional activities by illegal gambling operators, creating a heightened risk of unlawful betting activity during the tournament period from 11 June to 19 July.
“Based on past observations, major international sporting events, including football tournaments, are often accompanied by increased online promotional activities by illegal gambling operators seeking to attract users to illegal gambling services,” the commission said.
The regulator was responding to questions about whether it expected a rise in illegal gambling websites and betting activity during the World Cup. According to the MCMC, the tournament period presents a heightened risk of illegal online gambling activity.
Joint enforcement with police
The MCMC said it is working closely with the Royal Malaysia Police, which serves as the lead enforcement agency for offences under the country’s gambling laws.
“The MCMC undertakes actions relating to online gambling content in close coordination with the Royal Malaysia Police, which is the lead enforcement agency for offences under gambling-related laws,” the commission said.
Beyond enforcement support, the regulator provides technical and regulatory assistance to help authorities address the online dimension of illegal gambling operations.
The commission said its interventions include working with internet service providers to restrict access to identified gambling websites and collaborating with social media companies and online platforms to remove content that violates Malaysian laws or platform standards.
“Our interventions include coordinating with Internet service providers to restrict access to identified illegal gambling websites from Malaysia. We also work with social media platforms and online service providers to remove content that contravenes Malaysian laws or applicable platform community standards.”
According to the regulator, these efforts are supported through investigations, public complaints, monitoring activities and information gathered through engagements with digital platforms before being escalated to law enforcement agencies.
The regulator said it continues to engage with digital platforms to improve responses to regulatory requests and support stronger moderation of illegal gambling-related content.
Regional authorities prepare for betting surge
Malaysia’s latest measures come amid broader efforts by regulators and law enforcement agencies across Asia to address illegal gambling and betting-related risks ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
In Thailand, authorities have significantly expanded their crackdown on illegal online gambling ahead of the tournament. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) said it blocked 673,699 gambling-related URLs and pages between October 2025 and the end of May 2026. Of those, 635,717 were blocked under court orders, while 37,982 were removed through direct cooperation with digital platforms.
Authorities reported that nearly 79,000 gambling-related links were blocked in May alone as enforcement efforts intensified ahead of the competition.
The Thai government has also directed the DES ministry to increase surveillance using artificial intelligence tools capable of identifying and flagging illegal gambling websites more quickly. At the same time, the Cybercrime Investigation Bureau has been instructed to strengthen preventive measures aimed at protecting young people from being drawn into online betting.
Earlier this month, Thai police revealed that more than 717,000 gambling-related links had been blocked and hundreds of gambling websites identified for further enforcement action.
Indonesia launches nationwide campaign
Indonesia has also stepped up preparations ahead of the World Cup, warning that football’s popularity could once again be exploited by illegal betting operators.
Authorities have announced a nationwide campaign targeting illegal gambling and online fraud, citing concerns that operators may use social media promotions, fraudulent websites and pirated livestreams to attract users during the tournament.
“We must anticipate the rise of football gambling,” said Head of the National Police Public Information Bureau, Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko. He added, “We cannot allow this momentum to be exploited for unlawful activities that could result in public loss.”
The government has encouraged members of the public to report suspected gambling activity through the national 110 hotline and has asked state broadcaster TVRI to establish dedicated reporting channels during the World Cup.
The concerns also follow Indonesia’s experience during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, when authorities increased monitoring efforts and blocked more than 118,000 pieces of online gambling content.
Growing concern over youth gambling
Hong Kong authorities and social service organisations have also raised concerns about younger people being exposed to gambling-related content online. According to reports, offshore gambling syndicates have been using social media platforms to advertise betting services through content presented as entertainment, lifestyle or investment material.
Support organisations have reported a rise in younger people seeking assistance for gambling-related problems. The Sunshine Lutheran Centre said online gambling cases among young help-seekers increased from 6 per cent in 2019 to 49 per cent, while requests for assistance from people under 30 have risen by around 10 per cent compared with pre-pandemic levels.
The organisation has warned that online gambling platforms are increasingly exposing younger audiences to betting products through mobile applications and digital platforms.
Singapore has also flagged concerns about underage gambling ahead of the tournament. A recent Jumio Online Identity Study involving more than 8,000 respondents across Singapore, Mexico, the United States and the United Kingdom found that 76 per cent of Singaporeans were concerned about children accessing betting platforms during the World Cup, compared with a global average of 63 per cent.
The study further found that 82 per cent of Singapore respondents believe technology companies should take greater responsibility for preventing underage gambling.
Researchers noted that approximately one-third of people globally intend to place bets on World Cup matches, while nearly one-fifth expect to gamble online for the first time during the tournament.
World Cup creates enforcement challenge
The FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams.
Ahead of the competition, regulators and law enforcement agencies across Asia have announced a range of measures targeting illegal gambling activity, online betting promotions and youth exposure to gambling-related content. These include increased monitoring, website blocking, public awareness campaigns and enhanced enforcement efforts.
Malaysia’s latest measures form part of this wider regional response as authorities prepare for the tournament.
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