South Korea has launched a new enforcement campaign against illegal online gambling ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The country is introducing a citizen reward program that pays individuals for reporting unauthorized betting websites.
The initiative, led by the Gambling Control Commission (GCC), forms part of a broader effort to combat illegal gambling activity during one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Authorities expect betting activity to increase significantly throughout the tournament. Therefore, they are seeking greater public participation in identifying offshore operators targeting South Korean users.
Citizens Can Earn Rewards for Verified Reports
The campaign runs from June 8 to July 31 and encourages both members of the public and industry stakeholders to submit information about illegal gambling platforms. Reports can be sent through the GCC’s Illegal Gambling Industry Monitoring and Reporting Centre or a dedicated reporting hotline.
Under the program, individuals can receive KRW10,000 (US$7) for each report that results in an illegal website being blocked. Rewards increase to KRW50,000 (US$36) when reports include bank account information linked to gambling operators.
To qualify, participants must provide supporting evidence such as screenshots of betting activity, deposits, withdrawals, and platform access details. Monthly rewards are capped at KRW600,000 (US$436) per person, with payments scheduled for distribution between late September and early October.
Authorities Expand Enforcement Efforts
The GCC said verified reports will be reviewed in cooperation with the National Police Agency. Additionally, the Korea Communications Standards Commission, which oversees website-blocking orders, will also be involved.
However, regulators emphasized that enforcement efforts will extend beyond simple website restrictions where necessary. Authorities indicated that investigations may be launched against operators and related networks when evidence supports further action.
The commission also plans to increase cooperation with licensed gambling operators during the World Cup period. This aims to strengthen monitoring and identify suspicious activity more quickly.
Focus on Protecting Consumers
GCC Chairman Choi Byung-hwan described the initiative as part of a broader effort to maintain a safe sporting environment during the tournament.
“The Gambling Control Commission will concentrate all its capabilities on eradicating illegal gambling sites,” Choi said.
He added that active public participation remains one of the most effective tools for preventing the spread of illegal gambling. Moreover, it helps protect consumers from associated risks.
Enforcement Pressure Intensifies
The reward program follows a series of recent enforcement actions targeting illegal gambling and prediction market activity in South Korea.
Last week, authorities confirmed an investigation into domestic users of prediction market platform Polymarket over allegations that participation may violate South Korea’s gambling laws. The case is believed to be the country’s first investigation targeting individual users of the platform. This has highlighted the challenges regulators face when addressing decentralized and offshore betting products.
The latest World Cup initiative focuses primarily on offshore bookmakers that actively target South Korean consumers during major sporting events.
Strict Gambling Rules Drive Regulatory Focus
South Korea maintains one of Asia’s most restrictive gambling frameworks. Legal betting opportunities are largely limited to state-run Sports Toto products. These impose a maximum wager limit of KRW100,000 per bet, along with regulated horse racing and a single casino open exclusively to foreign visitors.
Authorities have long argued that restrictions on legal gambling create opportunities for illegal operators to attract consumers. This is particularly true during high-profile sporting events such as the World Cup.
Part of a Global Regulatory Trend
South Korea’s campaign reflects a broader international trend of increased regulatory vigilance ahead of the tournament.
In recent days, authorities in Hong Kong have warned residents against using overseas betting platforms. Meanwhile, regulators in Malta, the Netherlands, Macau, and South Africa have also announced enhanced monitoring measures.
As the World Cup approaches, governments and regulators worldwide are intensifying efforts to combat illegal gambling activity. They are also trying to protect consumers and safeguard the integrity of betting markets during one of the most heavily wagered sporting events on the global calendar.
