Thailand blocked or removed 13,888 online gambling websites and pages linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in an 18-day operation using artificial intelligence tools. The campaign ran from June 1 to June 18. Authorities targeted gambling content across websites and social media as World Cup betting activity increased.
AI helps find gambling content
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society used AI systems to detect, analyse and screen suspected gambling material online. The technology helped officials identify suspicious URLs and social media pages faster than manual checks alone.
Officials then filed court petitions to block the illegal links. Platform providers also worked with agencies to remove pages and accounts connected to gambling promotions. The operation involved the Prime Minister’s Office, security agencies and digital authorities. It targeted online football gambling networks operating across borders.
World Cup brings more betting activity
Major football tournaments often lead to more illegal betting promotions online. Gambling operators use match schedules, team news and livestream links to attract users through social media pages and messaging channels.
Thailand treats online gambling as illegal. Authorities have increased enforcement against websites, payment channels and people who promote betting platforms during major sporting events. The campaign also included warnings for businesses that show live World Cup matches for commercial purposes without permission. Venues must follow broadcast rights rules as well as gambling laws.
Court orders support removals
Thailand’s internet blocking process requires court approval for many illegal content cases. In this campaign, agencies submitted evidence to the courts before obtaining orders to block the identified websites.
The 13,888 figure includes pages that were blocked and pages removed through coordination with online platforms. The total shows the scale of gambling content that appeared during the first 18 days of the tournament period.
Authorities expect illegal operators to create replacement domains and new social accounts after existing pages are removed. This makes continuous monitoring important during the World Cup.
Platforms remove linked accounts
The campaign covered more than standalone betting websites. Authorities also targeted social media accounts, pages and links used to direct users toward gambling platforms.
Removing these accounts can slow the spread of new betting links, especially when operators use social channels to reach football fans. The work also depends on platform cooperation, since new pages can appear shortly after earlier accounts are taken down.
