A recent investigation by The Straits Times has revealed that GemBet, an offshore betting operator, allegedly utilized Singapore-registered companies to handle deposit and withdrawal transactions via PayNow for local customers during the FIFA World Cup 2026. The report indicates that the operator, licensed in Curaçao, accepted bets through various Singapore-related websites before directing users to its main site. Customers were able to deposit funds into their accounts using cryptocurrencies or PayNow, facilitated by three Singapore-registered companies that were established between March and May 2026.
These companies included a manpower agency, a cleaning service, and a wholesale trader, all registered at Housing Board residential addresses. However, inquiries made by representatives from The Straits Times raised doubts about the legitimacy of these addresses. Residents reported unfamiliarity with the companies, and one address was linked to a full-time national serviceman.
GemBet appears to focus on attracting Singaporean players, presenting itself as a Singaporean brand that transitioned to Malaysia in 2022. The platform promotes payment methods including PayNow and DBS Bank and has forged partnerships with notable football figures such as Luka Modrić, who serves as a brand ambassador, and Athletic Bilbao, which is affiliated with Singaporean betting operations.
When approached by The Straits Times, a customer service representative claimed that the platform is legal for Singaporean users and characterized the local companies that facilitate PayNow transactions as legitimate affiliates. The operator did not provide details about its Singapore customer base or betting volumes before suspending the journalist's account.
These developments occur amid Singapore's intensified efforts against illegal online gambling. Earlier this month, police conducted multiple coordinated raids, resulting in the arrests of 17 individuals and the confiscation of over SG$720,000 in cash, alongside mobile phones, computers, and other gambling-related tools.
