Authorities have observed a major shift from traditional bookmaking operations to digital betting platforms, with nearly 90 per cent of gambling activity expected to take place online.
PETALING JAYA: Illegal gambling syndicates are employing increasingly sophisticated methods to capitalise on interest surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with social media influencers among the latest tools being used to promote unlawful betting activities, according to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department Director Datuk M. Kumar said authorities have observed a major shift from traditional bookmaking operations to digital betting platforms, with nearly 90 per cent of gambling activity expected to take place online.
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He said the move to online platforms enables syndicates to operate continuously without geographical restrictions, making enforcement more complex while allowing them to reach a wider audience.
According to Kumar, gambling operators are aggressively promoting their services through marketing campaigns that offer attractive incentives, including sign-up bonuses, free credits, live betting options and promises of substantial returns.
“They also use social media, messaging applications and selected websites to attract new customers,” he told Harian Metro today.
Kumar added that police are aware of a growing trend involving social media influencers being used to promote illegal gambling activities across various online platforms.
Intelligence gathered by the authorities also indicates that some syndicates continue to rely on agents and intermediaries to recruit customers and direct them to betting platforms under their control.
He stressed that individuals involved in promoting gambling activities could face legal action, noting that such offences are punishable under the Betting Act 1953 and the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.
“Firm action will be taken against those involved in promoting gambling activities. We also anticipate an increase in illegal betting, particularly through online platforms, as football tournaments are often exploited by local and international syndicates seeking to maximise profits,” he said.
Police have also detected a growing tendency among gambling networks to operate through closed groups on messaging applications and social media channels in an effort to evade enforcement action.
In addition, syndicates are increasingly using cashless payment methods and electronic financial transactions to facilitate betting operations and obscure financial trails.
To address the anticipated surge in gambling activities during the World Cup period, PDRM will launch Op SOGA, a nationwide enforcement operation involving state and district-level units tasked with identifying, raiding and arresting bookmakers as well as bettors.
Kumar said the police are also working closely with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to carry out real-time domain blocking of websites found to be facilitating illegal betting activities.
“Enforcement teams at both contingent and district levels will be mobilised to detect, raid and arrest individuals involved in illegal betting operations, whether as bookmakers or punters.
“Strict legal action will be taken under the Betting Act 1953, the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 and other relevant legislation, including the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 where money laundering offences are identified,” he said.
The warning comes as authorities prepare for a potential increase in gambling-related activities linked to one of the world’s biggest sporting events, with enforcement agencies stepping up efforts to curb both online and physical betting operations before the tournament reaches its peak.
