Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) has been busy cracking down on illegal sports betting as the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues. Data shows that the ministry blocked thousands of illegal operators in the first two weeks of the month alone.
The MDES Blocked Some 13,888 URLs
In a new statement, the MDES provided an update on its action against illegal gambling operators during the highly anticipated soccer tournament. The ministry stated that it succeeded in blocking some 13,888 illegal gambling URLs in the period from June 1 to 18.
Blocked websites included not only operator platforms, but also social media pages promoting illegal gambling.
These actions were ordered by PM Anutin Charnvirakul and are a response to the popularity of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is associated with high betting volumes and intense illegal gambling activity. The MDES is expected to remain extra vigilant as the tournament continues. For context, the World Cup kicked off on June 11 and will run through July 19.
MDES Deputy Minister Bunthida Somchai elaborated that the MDES team leveraged artificial intelligence to identify and analyze many of the blocked websites. This bolstered the efficiency of the ministry, allowing it to deal a significant blow to the black market.
Somchai also warned the public to be careful about publishing content tied to illegal gambling and to avoid interacting with such content, too.
The UK Is Wary of the Black Market as Major Events Kick off
Thailand’s World Cup-related concerns aren’t unique and reflect a global trend. Regulators and licensed operators in multiple countries have braced for a continued clash against the illegal gambling market during the World Cup.
In the UK, leading gaming and betting operator Entain warned the government that the black market continues to grow and, in some cases, outcompetes its legal counterpart. Entain emphasized that illegal operators threaten the integrity of the gambling sector while exposing vulnerable customers to risk.
Because of that, Entain said that the threat should not be underestimated.
Shortly after that, the BGC issued a similar warning in relation to Royal Ascot. The council emphasized that the UK must adopt a moderate approach to regulation that allows the legal gaming industry to remain competitive.