The South Korean Gambling Control Commission has introduced a financial incentive program to combat unauthorized online gambling platforms ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The campaign operates from 8 June to 31 July, offering monetary rewards to citizens who provide evidence leading to site blocking.
The agency established a dedicated reporting system via a specific website and telephone service. Claimants receive a payment of ₩10,000 for every report that results in the blocking of an illegal gambling site. If the tip includes bank account details associated with the operator, the reward increases to ₩50,000 per report.
The Gambling Control Commission will handle reported cases in coordination with the National Police Agency and the Korea Communications Standards Commission.
Verification and Payout Process
To qualify for compensation, individuals must submit concrete evidence such as screen captures showing bets, deposits, or withdrawals, along with site login credentials. The maximum payout is capped at ₩600,000 per claimant per month. Payments for sites blocked by the end of August will be disbursed in a lump sum between late September and early October.
The commission indicated that enforcement investigations will be pursued as required alongside site blocking.
Chairman Choi Byung-hwan stated that the goal is to ensure the World Cup remains a "healthy sports festival" free from illegal gambling activities. He emphasized that public interest and reporting are the most effective ways to prevent the spread of unauthorized betting. South Africa, the Netherlands, and Malta have also issued warnings regarding heightened illegal gambling activity during the tournament.