South Korea blocks 1,280 illegal betting sites ahead of FIFA World Cup
Regulators warn that unlicensed operators are using World Cup excitement to attract players.
South Korea.- The Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) has ordered the blocking of 1,280 illegal sports betting websites ahead of the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It said the action was intended to prevent public harm as operators seek to capitalise on heightened interest in football.
According to the regulator, the targeted sites offered betting on football, baseball, UFC events, boxing, and ice hockey, including markets not available through Betman, South Korea’s only licensed sports betting platform. Authorities also raised concerns over the use of live betting, which is prohibited under the country’s regulated sports betting model, which only allows wagering before an event begins.
The KCSC warned that many illegal operators use major sporting events as a marketing tool to attract customers and, in some cases, disappear after collecting player deposits. It said it will work with the National Gambling Control Commission and other government agencies to intensify monitoring efforts and swiftly block new illegal betting sites throughout the tournament.
