Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, internationally known as RedNote, has removed more than 65,000 gambling-related posts and suspended over 40,000 accounts as part of a major crackdown on illegal betting promotions linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The company announced that it had strengthened enforcement measures throughout June to combat gambling-related content, traffic diversion schemes, and promotions directing users to illegal betting platforms during the tournament.
According to Xiaohongshu, major sporting events such as the World Cup are frequently targeted by illegal gambling operators seeking to attract new users through social media channels.
Thousands of Accounts Suspended
Since the start of June, the platform has carried out more than 12 enforcement operations targeting organized traffic-diversion networks.
The campaign resulted in:
- More than 40,000 accounts suspended
- Approximately 65,000 gambling-related posts removed
- Over 450,000 comments promoting illegal betting services deleted
The company said the enforcement actions focused on accounts and networks attempting to redirect users to offshore gambling platforms through posts, comments, and other forms of engagement.
Cooperation With Law Enforcement
In addition to platform enforcement, Xiaohongshu has been working closely with Chinese authorities to support ongoing investigations.
The company said it submitted 12 intelligence reports to public security agencies and assisted investigations in several regions, including Guangxi, Beijing, and Zhejiang.
According to the platform, the information contributed to enforcement actions against five organized traffic-diversion groups involved in promoting illegal gambling services.
Gambling Remains Strictly Prohibited
China maintains strict restrictions on gambling activities, including online betting, unauthorized prediction markets, and gambling-related promotional services.
As a result, social media platforms have become an important focus for enforcement efforts due to their role in directing users toward offshore gambling operators and related services.
Xiaohongshu stated that users found promoting illegal sports betting may face a range of penalties under its platform policies, including content removal, messaging restrictions, suspension of community functions, and permanent account bans.
World Cup Drives Increased Scrutiny
The crackdown comes amid heightened enforcement activity across Asia during the World Cup period.
Regulators and law enforcement agencies throughout the region have warned that major sporting events continue to be used by illegal operators to attract customers through social media advertising, influencer marketing, and encrypted messaging channels.
Authorities have increasingly targeted these promotional networks as part of broader efforts to curb illegal betting activity and protect consumers from gambling-related risks.
Users Urged to Report Illegal Content
Xiaohongshu has encouraged users to watch World Cup matches responsibly and remain vigilant against gambling promotions appearing on social media.
The platform also urged users to report suspicious content through its internal reporting channels, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining a safe online environment throughout the tournament.
As World Cup betting activity continues to rise globally, social media platforms are facing growing pressure to prevent illegal operators from using their services to reach new audiences and promote unauthorized gambling products.
