Singapore to ramp up efforts against illegal and problem gambling during World Cup 2026

SINGAPORE – As excitement builds up for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said it will step up enforcement against illegal gambling during the tournament.

There will also be public education on problem gambling, with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) launching a campaign video featuring a young father who lost his possessions and family to excessive betting.

These efforts were announced by MHA and the Ministry of Social and Family Development on June 9, ahead of the football tournament from June 11 to July 19.

Major international sporting events such as the World Cup generate heightened interest in gambling activities, said the ministries.

The only licensed operator in Singapore for lotteries, sports betting and remote gambling services is Singapore Pools, and all others – online or offline – are illegal.

“Unlike licensed operators, illegal operators do not provide responsible gambling safeguards, and may expose individuals and their families to significant financial and social harm,” said the statement.

The police conduct regular enforcement operations against illegal gambling operators.

They also issue directions under the Online Criminal Harms Act, requiring online service providers to restrict access to illegal online gambling services and advertisements.

Local phone numbers used to advertise illegal gambling services are terminated, while bank accounts and credit card payments linked to illegal online gambling are blocked, said the statement.

Those who conduct illegal gambling activities can be fined up to $500,000 and jailed for up to seven years.

Gamblers who use such illicit operators can be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to six months, or both.

Publicity across platforms

Amid the football frenzy, the public will see NCPG’s campaign – “Every bet costs something” – with its video screened during matches on television, on digital and social media platforms, and at spaces near betting outlets.

The council typically runs a campaign every four years in tandem with the World Cup to deter excessive football betting.

Separately, the National Crime Prevention Council will raise awareness of the risks and penalties of illegal betting activities through online and offline advertisements and other publicity methods.

NCPG chairman Sim Gim Guan said the World Cup attracts many sports enthusiasts, and the council wants 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,” he said.

“We urge everyone to recognise the signs of problem gambling and seek professional help early if you or someone you know needs support.”

Gambling drove him to bankruptcy

Thomas (not his real name), a former IT service business owner in his mid 30s, said he started betting on Premier League and World Cup matches in his university days “to get excitement”.

Thomas came to Singapore from Myanmar in 2020. In 2023, he started gambling at casinos almost daily and racked up $500,000 in debt in almost six months.

Even after enrolling in a debt management programme, he relapsed into online gambling and accumulated $200,000 more in debt. He had to shut down his business and file for bankruptcy.

His parents, who had helped pay off part of his debts, did not trust him any more, said Thomas. Only his wife stayed by his side and encouraged him to rebuild his life.

“Finally, I accepted that it was a disease, and I had to get proper treatment,” said Thomas, who is now a Singaporean. He sought help from One Hope Centre, which provides counselling for problem gambling.

Thomas now works as a taxi driver. He plans to watch the upcoming World Cup – but with his wife and two children to keep temptation at bay.

He advises others to not gamble at all. “You do not know whether you will be addicted. Just enjoy football as a sport that you like.”

Ho Mi Nie, a counsellor at the One Hope Centre, said the centre typically sees its client numbers increase after major events such as the World Cup, when gamblers accumulate debts and cannot keep up with repayments.

Football gambling is especially addictive as it comes with an illusion of knowledge in the sport, said Ho.

“Many actually think that their bets are based on skill rather than luck. This perceived expertise drives them to increasing bets,” she said.

The first signs of problem gambling are usually behavioural changes, such as constantly checking for results or borrowing money from loved ones, said Ho.

Then, they may neglect work, school or family commitments, and seem restless and irritable emotionally.

Family members and friends who spot signs of gambling addiction, or affected individuals, may call the NCPG helpline on 1800-6-668-668 or use the webchat at www.ncpg.org.sg

Those who encounter illegal gambling websites or advertisements are advised to call the police hotline on 1800-255-000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness