Betting during the 2026 World Cup: Beware of sophisticated online scams

The 2026 World Cup is attracting huge interest from football fans around the globe. Yet, at the same time, gambling and online betting organizations are on the rise, using ever more deceptive methods.

Quang Ninh Police warn against World Cup 2026 betting scams

According to a warning from the Quang Ninh Provincial Police, criminals are exploiting cyberspace to organize illegal football betting through websites and apps hosted overseas to avoid detection by authorities. Numerous private groups on Facebook, Telegram, and Zalo have also been created to guide players into participating in these bets.

Additionally, these criminals use tricks like offering free bets, cashback, or referral commissions to lure new participants. Transactions are often conducted via bank accounts, e-wallets, or cryptocurrencies to conceal the flow of gambling money.

Notably, illegal football streaming sites have become popular tools for promoting gambling. Many free football-watching websites display heavy gambling ads during matches to attract viewers into placing bets.

Recently, the Hung Yen Provincial Police dismantled a network operating numerous illegal football streaming websites such as CakhiaTV, RakhoiTV, and CaheoTV, and prosecuted 23 individuals for copyright infringement, organizing gambling, and gambling activities.

According to the investigation, this group profited mainly from advertising for football betting websites. Gambling promotional content was directly embedded into high-viewership matches. Notably, the criminals had also planned to illegally stream and exploit matches from the 2026 World Cup before being discovered and arrested.

Authorities stated that the network operated entirely online, using secure messaging apps with auto-delete features to manage the system. Payments to members were made through anonymous e-wallets to avoid tracking.

Under Vietnamese law, all forms of football gambling for money are illegal. Participants may face administrative fines or criminal prosecution for "Gambling" and "Organizing Gambling" offenses.

Quang Ninh Police advise the public not to visit or register accounts on betting websites; to be wary of online invitations for "match tips" or "quick money" on social media; and to refrain from sharing or promoting illegal betting links.

The World Cup is a global football festival, but while enjoying top-tier matches, everyone must raise legal awareness, say no to football gambling, and avoid regrettable consequences for themselves, their families, and society.

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