ILLEGAL gambling syndicates are adopting increasingly sophisticated tactics to capitalise on football fever surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with social media influencers emerging as a new tool to promote unlawful betting activities, according to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M Kumar said authorities have detected a significant shift away from traditional bookmakers towards digital betting platforms, with nearly 90 per cent of gambling activities now expected to take place online.
The transition allows syndicates to operate around the clock without geographical limitations, making enforcement more challenging while expanding their reach to potential customers.
According to Kumar, gambling operators are aggressively marketing their services through attractive promotional campaigns that promise lucrative returns, sign-up bonuses, free credits and live betting opportunities during matches.
“They also use social media, messaging applications and certain websites to attract new customers.
“PDRM is also aware of the growing trend of using social media influencers to promote these illegal activities on social media platforms,” he said.
Police intelligence indicates that some syndicates continue to rely on agents and intermediaries to recruit customers and introduce them to betting platforms under their control.
Kumar stressed that strict legal action would be taken against those involved in promoting gambling activities, noting that such offences fall under the Open House Gambling Act 1953.
“Firm action will be taken, including investigations, because promoting gambling is an offence under the Open House Gambling Act 1953.
“PDRM also expects an increase in illegal betting activities, particularly through online platforms.
“This is driven by football fever, which is often exploited by both local and international syndicates seeking to maximise profits during major tournaments,” he said.
Authorities have observed that gambling networks are increasingly operating through closed groups on messaging applications and social media channels in an effort to avoid detection by enforcement agencies.
At the same time, syndicates are making greater use of cashless transactions and various electronic payment methods to facilitate betting operations and conceal financial trails.
“Additionally, there is a growing tendency to use cashless transactions and various electronic payment methods to facilitate betting activities.
“In response, PDRM will intensify intelligence gathering, monitoring and enforcement efforts against any individual or syndicate involved in organising, promoting or participating in illegal betting activities,” Kumar told Harian Metro today.
To counter the anticipated surge in gambling linked to the World Cup, police 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 PDRM is also working closely with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to carry out real-time domain blocking against websites found to be hosting illegal betting activities.
“Specifically, to combat illegal betting, Op SOGA will be launched by mobilising enforcement elements at both contingent and district levels to detect, raid and arrest individuals acting as bookmakers or punters.
“PDRM is also working closely with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to conduct real-time domain blocking of websites found to be organising betting activities.
“Strict legal action will be taken in line with investigations under the Betting Act 1953 and the Open House Gambling Act 1953, as well as other laws such as the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 for money laundering offences,” he said.
The warning comes as authorities prepare for heightened gambling activity surrounding one of the world's largest sporting events, with enforcement agencies seeking to curb both online and offline betting networks before tournament activity reaches its peak. - June 7, 2026
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