Bareskrim: Online Gambling is Not a Game, but a Scam!

The Indonesian National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has warned the public against being enticed by the promise of winnings in online gambling. Bareskrim stated that online gambling is fundamentally not a game, but rather a fraudulent practice.

“We are continuously conducting preemptive and preventive efforts through literacy and education, as well as increasing efforts so that the public understands that online gambling on the internet is actually not a game, but a scam,” said the Director of Cyber Crimes (Dirtipsciber) of Bareskrim Polri, Brigadier General Adex Yudiswan, during a press conference at the Bareskrim Polri building, South Jakarta, on Thursday (3/9/2026).

Adex explained that a comprehensive understanding of the dangers of gambling is urgently needed, as perpetrators continue to develop new methods to ensnare victims.

According to him, these syndicates are highly skilled at utilising digital technology to disguise their movements. “In handling online gambling, investigators often face non-trivial challenges. The development of digital infrastructure and the modus operandi of perpetrators is moving very rapidly,” he noted.

When asked about the phenomenon of online gambling sites that continue to emerge despite repeated access disruptions, Adex revealed that perpetrators are now using automated systems. They utilise artificial intelligence (AI) and bots to quickly duplicate websites and bank accounts.

“They are not just using manual or personal methods, but are using existing technological systems; AI and bots have replaced manual processes. Consequently, when a website account is blocked, they will quickly form a new website,” Adex explained.

The same applies to transactions. When a collection account is blocked, the syndicate quickly shifts to other accounts or bank accounts prepared through layering patterns, nominee accounts, and even the use of crypto assets.

“To disguise the flow of funds, perpetrators also utilise various methods, ranging from layering patterns, nominee accounts, and e-wallets, to transactions through crypto assets,” he said.

He mentioned that the prevalence of online gambling practices in society has led perpetrators to continuously develop new ways to reach new potential players. “Gambling players have certainly found a sense of comfort in their concept of playing,” said Adex.

“So, the concept between demand and the market is almost the same. In other crimes, people might be forced to commit them, but in gambling, regardless of the circumstances, they are the ones seeking it. Therefore, if demand is high, there will certainly be parties looking to exploit it,” he added.

Furthermore, another challenge faced by the police is the borderless nature of online gambling. Adex noted that the operation of a single gambling site could involve multiple countries simultaneously.

“Servers could be in another country, operators could be in a different country, and marketing teams could also be in different countries. The infrastructure is spread across various countries with different legal systems,” he explained.

Adex stated there is a downward trend in the circulation of online gambling funds thanks to cooperation with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK), the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), the Financial Services Authority (OJK), and Bank Indonesia.

In the first semester of 2026, the circulation of online gambling funds was recorded at approximately Rp 86.8 trillion. He noted that this figure has decreased compared to previous years.

“Based on PPATK data, in 2024, the circulation of online gambling funds reached approximately Rp 359.8 trillion. In 2025, that figure dropped to Rp 286.8 trillion,” he detailed.

As of September 2026, Adex continued, Bareskrim has uncovered 55 online gambling cases and named 123 individuals as suspects. Additionally, assets worth Rp 131.1 billion from 353 accounts and thousands of US dollars have been seized by investigators.

“We continue these efforts not only through enforcement against perpetrators but also through tracing and cutting off fund flows, as well as inter-agency synergy to break the online gambling chain,” concluded Adex.