South Africa’s National Gambling Board (NGB) has issued a public warning over the growing risk of illegal gambling platforms, scam betting websites and fake mobile apps seeking to exploit football fans during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The regulator says the tournament’s global popularity is expected to drive a sharp increase in betting activity, creating opportunities for unlicensed operators and fraudsters.
According to the NGB, criminals are increasingly using counterfeit betting platforms and mobile applications that imitate legitimate operators in an attempt to collect players’ personal information, banking details and deposits. The regulator warned that many of these services operate without licenses and offer no consumer protections, leaving users vulnerable to financial losses and identity theft.
The board urged bettors to verify that gambling operators are properly licensed before registering accounts or placing wagers. It also encouraged consumers to avoid downloading betting applications from unofficial sources and to remain cautious of promotions that appear unusually generous or unrealistic.
The warning comes as regulators and law enforcement agencies around the world step up preparations for the expanded 48-team World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Industry experts have repeatedly highlighted concerns about illegal betting networks, match-fixing risks and gambling-related fraud linked to major international sporting events.
The NGB said public awareness will play a key role in protecting consumers throughout the tournament and encouraged South Africans to report suspicious gambling platforms and fraudulent betting schemes.