Malaysia Launches Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal World Cup Betting

Malaysian police have launched a nationwide operation targeting illegal gambling ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The campaign, called Op Soga XI, aims to stop both online and offline betting as authorities expect a sharp rise in gambling during the tournament.

The operation began on June 10, one day before the World Cup kicked off, and covers all states across the country.

Police will target illegal betting websites, gambling syndicates, bookmakers, betting agents and social media accounts promoting unlicensed gambling. Authorities are also working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the country’s central bank to block gambling platforms and freeze financial transactions linked to illegal operators.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar said:

The operation will focus on both online and physical gambling activities across the country.

Anyone involved in illegal betting could face prosecution under several Malaysian laws, including gambling, money laundering and financial crime legislation.

Op Soga is a regular enforcement campaign held during major football tournaments. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the previous operation led to more than 400 arrests in its first three weeks. Police also seized betting credits worth over RM10.6 million.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Officials believe the tournament’s match schedule will make games easier to watch in Southeast Asia, which could lead to higher betting activity and increase the risk of illegal gambling.