With the FIFA World Cup kicking off on June 11, South African soccer fans are being urged to take their digital safety as seriously as their match-day preparations, as cybercriminals increasingly target global sporting events at scale.
Image: Gemini
The National Gambling Board (NGB) has warned South Africans to be on high alert as illegal betting platforms and fake gambling apps increase ahead of the 2026 Soccer World Cup.
According to the regulator, criminals often exploit the increased betting activity associated with major sporting tournaments to target unsuspecting users through fraudulent online betting schemes that promise unrealistic winnings, bonuses and guaranteed returns.
The NGB said these platforms typically operate via social media advertisements, messaging apps and fake websites designed to mimic licensed bookmakers.
"Major sporting tournaments often result in increased betting activity, with criminals exploiting the excitement surrounding these events to lure unsuspecting consumers," the NGB said.
"Members of the public, particularly punters in South Africa, are urged to exercise extreme caution regarding the increasing number of illegal gambling scam platforms operating through fake mobile applications, phishing links, and social media advertisements promising unrealistic winnings and bonuses".
The regulator added that once users have deposited money, these platforms typically display fabricated winnings or inflated account balances to create the illusion of success.
“Once payment is made, victims either lose communication with the operators or are pressured into making further payments.
"The illegal operators mainly target victims through Facebook advertisements, WhatsApp messages, Telegram groups, SMS push links, fake social media pages and mobile applications downloaded outside official app stores”, Acting CEO of NGB, Lungile Dukwana said.
NGB also said that "these illegal platforms also impersonate or imitate legitimate licensed bookmakers operating in South Africa".
The public is reminded that legitimate and licensed bookmakers in South Africa:
• Operate through official websites using their correct registered domain names
• Clearly display their provincial gambling board licence information on their websites
• Do not request customers to pay taxes or fees before releasing winnings
• Do not guarantee winnings or offer unrealistic profits
• Are regulated by recognised Provincial Gambling Boards in South Africa
Members of the public are encouraged to take the following precautions:
• Always type the correct bookmaker website address directly into your web browser
• Verify that the operator displays a valid provincial gambling licence
• Avoid clicking on suspicious push links or social media advertisements
• Never pay upfront fees to withdraw winnings
• There will be no apps or pushed links as our bookmakers are only accessible through their official websites.
• Report suspicious gambling platforms to the relevant authorities
The NGB also urged consumers not to share banking details, one-time pins (OTPs), identity documents or other sensitive information with unverified platforms.
It warned that victims who lose money to illegal operators have little legal recourse and encouraged the public to report suspicious gambling activities to the regulator.
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