Illegal Online Gambling

By Josh Pearson , 27 April 2026

Authorities in Shymkent have dismantled a large-scale illegal online gambling operation with a turnover exceeding $1 million. The scheme, reportedly orchestrated by a local resident, leveraged a mobile app to connect multiple underground gaming hubs and attract players from both within Kazakhstan and abroad. The organizer earned commissions from each gaming table while using intermediaries, known as “droppers,” to obscure financial transactions.

By Josh Pearson , 19 April 2026

Indonesia has intensified its crackdown on illegal online gambling, with the Financial Services Authority (OJK) ordering the blocking of 1,000 additional bank accounts, bringing the total to over 33,000 since 2024. The move reflects a coordinated national effort involving multiple agencies to curb the financial infrastructure supporting illicit betting. Authorities argue that online gambling poses systemic risks to the country’s financial stability and broader economy.