Indonesia Prepares New Push Against Illegal Betting Ahead Of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Indonesia is preparing a nationwide campaign to combat illegal gambling and online fraud ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with authorities expecting a spike in betting activity. Betting activity reached record levels during Eid 2026, reinforcing fears that football could drive another surge once the tournament begins in June.

Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta, Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said law enforcement agencies are already implementing preventive measures prior to the competition. Authorities believe illegal operators will attempt to exploit the event’s popularity through social media promotions, fraudulent websites and pirated livestreams targeting football fans.

Hotlines and reporting channels introduced to track activity

The government is combining enforcement with public participation to contain the risk. “We must anticipate the rise of football gambling,” Trunoyudo said. “We cannot allow this momentum to be exploited for unlawful activities that could result in public loss.”

Indonesia maintains strict prohibitions on most forms of gambling, yet online platforms bypass restrictions using foreign infrastructure and encrypted channels. Police have urged citizens to report suspected gambling activity and scams through the national 110 complaint hotline. Authorities have also instructed TVRI, the official World Cup broadcaster, to introduce a dedicated reporting channel for suspected betting-related activity.

Officials highlighted a recurring tactic where illegal operators embed advertisements into pirated streams, redirecting viewers to betting platforms. With millions expected to watch World Cup matches online, these sites might become more popular.

Lessons from the 2022 World Cup shape current strategy

Current preparations are heavily influenced by what happened during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, when Indonesia experienced a sharp increase in online gambling activity. By the end of 2022, the Communications and Information Ministry had blocked more than 118,000 pieces of gambling-related content. The scale of enforcement reflected demand and the persistence of illegal networks.

Digital platform monitoring intensified during the period, as authorities observed that football audiences were increasingly targeted by betting promotions and online fraud schemes. Research from TGM Research at the time showed strong public interest in betting. Around 79% of respondents said they intended to place wagers on World Cup matches.

Expanded coverage expected to increase exposure risks

The 2026 tournament, hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, will be the first to feature 48 teams and is expected to attract record global audiences. In Indonesia, TVRI plans to expand coverage across 34 regional stations, increasing access to matches nationwide. 

While this improves reach for viewers, it also creates more entry points for illegal operators to target audiences. Authorities say awareness campaigns will roll out in the coming months, combining enforcement with public education.

Indonesia is launching a nationwide campaign in anticipation of a spike in betting activity during the World Cup. Authorities plan to disrupt the tactics used by illegal operators, such as social media ads and pirated livestreams. Their aim is to protect citizens from risk during a period of increased exposure.