Singapore Police have intensified their crackdown on illegal online gambling, with 60 individuals aged between 17 and 79 either arrested or placed under investigation for their alleged involvement in unlawful betting activities and the misuse of bank accounts.
The enforcement campaign was launched ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which began on 11 June 2026, following a joint announcement by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Social and Family Development that action against illegal gambling would be stepped up.
Police initially conducted a gambling suppression operation between 4 and 11 June, resulting in 11 people being investigated for suspected offences linked to illegal online gambling and bank account misuse. In an update issued on 25 July, authorities revealed that additional operations carried out between 1 May and 20 July brought the total number of people investigated to 60, including 46 men and 14 women.
According to police, the enforcement drive targeted the heightened risk of illegal betting activities before and during the World Cup tournament. As part of the crackdown, police said they worked with relevant agencies to block or remove more than 600 illegal gambling websites, mobile applications, and social media pages promoting unlawful betting.
Authorities also partnered with payment network operators and financial institutions to stop at least 6,900 attempted banking transactions linked to illegal gambling, preventing transfers worth more than $600,000. One of the largest operations took place on 6 July, when police arrested 19 suspects, comprising 16 men and three women aged between 45 and 76.
During the operation, officers seized more than $730,000 in cash, along with mobile phones, computers, and other items believed to have been used in illegal online gambling activities. Although the World Cup has concluded, Singapore Police said enforcement efforts against illegal gambling will continue.
Authorities urged members of the public to avoid participating in illegal betting activities, warning that those involved in unlawful gambling operations or the misuse of bank accounts will continue to face enforcement action.
