Hong Kong police launch measures to tackle illegal betting ahead of World Cup
Senior Inspector Jimmy Lau warned that using overseas prediction markets will be considered illegal betting.
Hong Kong.- Police have announced the launch of Operations Crowbeak and Windshield in Hong Kong, combining public awareness campaigns, intelligence gathering and enforcement action in a bid to tackle unauthorised betting during the FIFA World Cup. Speaking at a press briefing, Chief Inspector Alvin Wong warned that betting with overseas platforms could still violate Hong Kong law even if operators claim to be legally licensed in other jurisdictions.
That includes prediction platforms, he said. FIFA has named Gibraltar-licensed ADI Predictstreet as its official prediction market partner for the 2026 World Cup. However, Wong said the Hong Kong police’s understanding is that the FIFA-affiliated platform is intended only for registered users in certain European markets and are not legally available to bettors in Hong Kong.
Senior Inspector Jimmy Lau said only betting products offered through approved channels, including the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s horse racing and football betting along with Mark Six lotteries, are permitted under local regulations. He added that placing bets with illegal bookmakers can result in a fine of up to HK$50,000 (US$6,380) and imprisonment for up to nine months, while operating or accepting such bets carries heavier penalties.
Lau noted that previous football tournaments had led to a surge in illegal gambling. Some 1,104 arrests were made during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 735 during UEFA Euro 2024. Police data show that 374 major gambling cases recorded in 2025, leading to 4,482 arrests. Officers also seized more than HK$3m (US$382,485) in suspected criminal proceeds and betting records amounting to HK$1.1bn (US$140.37m)
Wong observed that illegal gambling has moved online, using overseas servers, social media platforms, messaging applications and digital payment channels, including virtual currencies. Meanwhile, police clinical psychologist Woo Chin-pang warned that online gambling advertisements are exposing more young people to illegal betting. He said: “Illegal gambling creates the opportunity for young people to come into contact with loan sharks, triads, and other criminal syndicates that can severely impact their lifelong prospects.”
