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Police in China have shut down multiple gambling networks that were exploiting the current 2026 FIFA World Cup, with reports coming from several provinces. The crackdown comes as law enforcement continues to crack down on gambling during the period of the competition.
Shaanxi Case Leads Arrests
In Xi’an, in Northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, police detained 7 suspects for operating an online gambling platform connected to World Cup matches, according to the China News Service. Authorities said the ring set up different betting schemes and made money through commissions, with total transaction volume exceeding 100,000 yuan, or $14,770.
Police said the investigation took 19 hours of continuous work before all 7 suspects confessed. They were then placed in criminal detention on suspicion of operating an illegal gambling business. The case was one of several uncovered as officials moved against betting activity linked to the tournament.
Guangxi Traffic Network
In Yulin, in South China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, police dismantled a gang that specialized in promoting and directing traffic to World Cup-related gambling websites. The Ministry of Public Security’s cybersecurity bureau said the group had been flooding social media platforms with gambling advertisements since May 2026 in an effort to lure users to illegal betting sites.
The case showed how online gambling operations were using social media to reach users during the tournament. Authorities said such activity remained a focus for enforcement as police tracked both the operators and the promotional networks surrounding them.
Liaoning Betting Case
On the opening day of the World Cup on June 12, Beijing time, police in Liaoyang, in Northeast China’s Liaoning Province, also cracked a case involving illegal online football betting. According to the report, the suspect has accepted wagers on matches’ outcomes and scores by using illegal gambling apps with money being paid out via WeChat.
Administrative detention was applied to the suspect. The case added to the series of actions taken by Chinese police as they targeted World Cup-linked gambling activity in different regions.
Warnings Before Kickoff
Before the start of the World Cup, the Ministry of Public Security issued video cautions via their Weibo account, which is intended to guide citizens on how to avoid falling victim to gambling scams during the event.
As per the statements by the government, the National Sports Lottery Center has not given permission for any online site to sell lottery tickets. It has been declared that all online sites selling lottery tickets and online sports gambling sites are considered fraudulent.
Police have requested fans not to indulge in online gambling, click on suspicious links, or download unverified applications. They have also been advised to purchase tickets and memorabilia only through official channels.
Enforcement Continues
The latest cases show how Chinese authorities are moving against online gambling networks that have tied their operations to the World Cup. With arrests, detentions, and website promotion cases reported in several provinces, police have made clear that illegal betting remains under close watch during the tournament.
Source: Global Times
