Deputy Minister U Thet Win Aung disclosed the enforcement action during a parliamentary session on June 19, informing lawmakers about the scale of the telecommunications crackdown. The state-owned daily The Global New Light of Myanmar reported the deactivation figures on Monday, June 22.
Authorities identified the Myanmar sim cards through their transmission patterns. The cards were sending large volumes of identical messages linked to online gambling promotions, triggering detection systems. This pattern recognition allowed telecommunications regulators to pinpoint accounts specifically used for mass distribution of gambling-related content.
The Ministry of Digital Development and Communications spearheaded the operation, working with telecommunications providers to terminate the accounts. In the same period Myanmar sim cards deactivated included those actively facilitating gambling promotions through automated messaging systems.
According to the report, enforcement measures will remain in place across telecom and mobile payment services. The Ministry stated that these ongoing actions aim to detect and disrupt suspicious activity at earlier stages, preventing gambling operators from establishing new distribution channels through mobile networks. Surveillance systems now monitor telecommunications traffic for patterns consistent with gambling promotion activities.
The deactivation campaign represents a sustained effort spanning over a year, demonstrating authorities’ commitment to eliminating gambling-related telecommunications infrastructure.
Financial infrastructure supporting online gambling faced systematic dismantlement as authorities suspended 1,120 Myanmar sim cards used to operate illegal financial accounts linked to gambling activities. In addition, authorities permanently shut down more than 1,000 e-wallet accounts associated with online gambling networks.
The Myanmar Police Force has coordinated enforcement efforts with the Ministry of Transport and Communications and the Central Bank of Myanmar since 2023. This multi-agency collaboration specifically targets gambling-related social media pages, online payment accounts, and other platforms involved in illegal gambling operations.
The crackdown addresses the financial channels enabling gambling transactions. E-wallet accounts and mobile payment systems provided the infrastructure for funds to flow between gamblers and operators. Accordingly, authorities focused enforcement on these payment mechanisms to cut off monetary flows sustaining illegal gambling networks.
Police issued warnings about legal consequences for individuals facilitating gambling operations through financial services. Those who sell or rent out mobile payment or bank accounts for gambling purposes face legal action. The public also received reminders that promoting or accepting online gambling advertisements carries legal penalties.
The coordinated approach between telecommunications regulators, financial authorities, and law enforcement demonstrates a comprehensive strategy targeting both communication channels and payment infrastructure supporting illegal gambling activities.
Prosecution efforts expanded beyond infrastructure enforcement to target individuals promoting gambling operations. Legal action has been taken against actors, social media influencers, and other individuals involved in promoting online gambling activities. Between January 2025 and April 2026, authorities initiated legal action against actors, social media influencers, and others involved in promoting online slot game advertisements.
The Myanmar Police Force announced active investigations to dismantle and prosecute illegal online gambling and fraud websites, alongside social media pages promoting such activities. Authorities reminded the public that promoting or accepting online gambling advertisements carries legal penalties. Individuals who sell or rent out mobile payment or bank accounts for gambling purposes may face legal action.
In cooperation with the Ministry of Information, the Myanmar Police Force conducts public awareness campaigns through state-owned newspapers and television to educate citizens about the dangers and legal consequences of online gambling. These educational efforts complement enforcement actions.
Myanmar officials emphasized these enforcement activities as a national duty, with plans to decisively take action against operators through collaborative efforts with neighbouring countries and international organizations. A Myanmar bill proposes the death penalty as the highest punishment for individuals who illegally abduct, abuse, torture or detain others to coerce them into committing online fraud.
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