China’s Xiaohongshu targets illegal betting networks during the World Cup season
The Chinese social media platform removed thousands of gambling-related posts and worked with law enforcement authorities to combat illegal betting activity ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
China.- Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu has suspended more than 40,000 accounts and removed more than 65,000 gambling-related posts as part of a major crackdown on illegal betting activity linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The company announced that the enforcement campaign was launched following the publication of its World Cup gambling governance notice earlier this month. Since then, Xiaohongshu has targeted organised groups accused of directing users to illegal betting services and gambling websites.
According to the platform, authorities identified more than a dozen coordinated traffic-diversion groups during the operation. The campaign led to the removal of approximately 65,000 posts promoting gambling activities and the clean-up of more than 450,000 related comments. More than 40,000 accounts associated with those activities were permanently banned.
As part of the crackdown, the company reported 12 suspected cases to public security authorities and assisted law enforcement agencies in several regions, including Beijing, Zhejiang and Guangxi. The cooperation contributed to investigations that resulted in action against five gambling-related groups.
The platform reiterated that online gambling, unauthorised prediction betting and promotional activities designed to direct users to betting services violate both Chinese laws and platform rules. Sanctions may include content removal, restrictions on messaging and group chat functions, and permanent account suspensions.
Xiaohongshu also urged users to remain cautious of scams disguised as betting opportunities, fake promotions and unofficial World Cup-related offers. The company encouraged users to report suspicious content as authorities continue efforts to curb illegal gambling activity during the tournament period.
