Singapore Firms Linked to Illegal Betting for World Cup 2026

Singapore, Singapore Jul 18, 2026 ALN: A gambling website based overseas has been collecting illegal bets on FIFA World Cup matches from punters in Singapore who make transactions via PayNow with local firms. This situation has raised significant concerns regarding the enforcement of gambling laws in the country, particularly in the context of the upcoming World Cup in 2026, which is expected to draw a large number of bets and increased gambling activity.

GemBet, which is based in the Caribbean island of Curacao, has website addresses (URLs) for different countries including Singapore. The Straits Times learnt that deposits for bets, and payouts for wins, are being funnelled through three local companies registered in 2026 – a manpower contracting service incorporated on March 3, a cleaning services company registered on April 29, and a wholesale trading firm incorporated on May 29. The timing of these registrations raises questions about their legitimacy and whether they were established specifically to facilitate illegal betting activities.

Punters who access local URLs of GemBet are directed to its main website. After registering, punters have to create a digital wallet where they place deposits using payment methods including cryptocurrencies and PayNow. Those who opt for PayNow are directed to transfer money via one of the three Singapore companies. The bets are taken out of the wallets. This setup highlights the increasingly sophisticated methods that illegal gambling operations are employing to bypass local regulations and attract customers.

Checks against Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority records show that the three companies are registered to Housing Board residential units. ST visited the three units on July 15. At the address for the manpower company, a man said he did not recognise the name of the business owner. He said he had been living there for a decade, indicating a possible disconnect between the registered business and its actual operations. At the cleaning services company address, an occupant said the 23-year-old business owner is his nephew. He said the young man is currently a full-time national serviceman, which raises further questions about the operational capacity of the company. No one responded at the address of the trading firm, and a neighbour mentioned that she has rarely seen anyone entering or leaving the unit, suggesting that these businesses may not be functioning as legitimate enterprises.

On its website and social media pages, GemBet describes itself as a home-grown sports betting operation in Singapore. It claims that it was set up in 2020, before it moved to Malaysia in 2022. The platform also asserts ties to high-profile European football teams, stating that it is the official South-east Asian betting partner for Spanish club Athletic Bilbao. This claim, if true, could lend a veneer of legitimacy to the operation, despite its illegal status in Singapore.

GemBet does not hide that it targets local punters, with tips on YouTube for how funds can be deposited using DBS Bank accounts. This deliberate targeting of Singaporean customers underscores the challenges faced by local authorities in combating illegal gambling. GemBet’s Facebook account was set up on Jan 13. Its X account, which was created in December 2022, shows its location tagged as the United Arab Emirates, while its connection is made via the Apple App Store in Bulgaria. This complex web of operations across different jurisdictions complicates enforcement efforts and highlights the global nature of online gambling.

The platform is operated by an offshore entity incorporated in Curacao – Grand Complications NV. The firm registered more than 1,900 domain names over the years, many of which are variations of the term GemBet. One was registered only a day before the World Cup opening match on June 11, suggesting a calculated strategy to capitalize on the heightened interest in sports betting during major events.

Heavy penalties

A record $12.7 billion was spent on lottery, sports betting, and horse racing in the financial year 2024/2025 through Singapore Pools. This figure reflects the popularity of legal gambling avenues within Singapore, contrasting sharply with the illegal activities facilitated by websites like GemBet. Bets placed on such illegal websites are unlawful and carry heavy penalties.

Anyone who places bets with an unlawful gambling service faces a fine of up to $10,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both. Individuals found guilty of operating or assisting unlawful gambling services face fines of up to $500,000 and jail terms of up to seven years, while repeat offenders risk fines of up to $700,000 and up to 10 years in prison. These stringent penalties are part of Singapore's broader strategy to deter illegal gambling and protect its citizens from the potential harms associated with unregulated betting.

More than 3,400 illegal gambling websites, over 260 bank accounts, and more than $36 million in payments linked to illegal remote gambling services were blocked by the Gambling Regulatory Authority, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Social and Family Development said on June 9. Despite these efforts, illegal gambling remains a persistent issue, with punters continuing to engage in activities that violate local laws. The ongoing challenge of regulating online gambling highlights the need for continuous vigilance and adaptation of enforcement strategies by authorities.

The rise of online gambling platforms like GemBet poses significant challenges not only to law enforcement but also to public health and safety. The accessibility of these platforms can lead to increased gambling addiction and associated social issues, including financial distress and family problems. As the World Cup approaches, it is likely that the demand for betting will increase, putting further pressure on regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with the law and protect vulnerable individuals from the risks of illegal gambling.

In conclusion, the situation surrounding GemBet and its operations in Singapore illustrates the complexities of regulating online gambling in a globalized digital landscape. As authorities continue to combat illegal betting activities, they must also consider the broader implications for public health and safety, as well as the need for effective communication and education to inform the public about the risks associated with illegal gambling.