AUTHORITIES have permanently cancelled more than 100,000 suspicious SIM cards and tightened monitoring of mobile wallet accounts used in illegal online gambling transactions, Deputy Minister for Digital Development and Communications U Thet Win Aung told the Pyithu Hluttaw on 19 June.
Responding to a question raised by U Nay Lin Aung from the North Okkalapa Constituency on efforts to identify and shut down digital payment accounts and phone numbers linked to illegal gambling websites and applications, the deputy minister outlined measures taken jointly by the Ministry of Digital Development and Communications and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Between January 2025 and April 2026, authorities blocked access within Myanmar to 102 illegal online gambling websites and applications through IP restrictions. They also shut down 1,120 SIM cards used to operate unlawful financial accounts.
In addition, a total of 143,409 SIM cards found to be distributing large volumes of identical messages linked to online gambling activities were permanently deactivated between March 2025 and May 2026.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also launched legal action against actors, social media influencers and other individuals involved in producing advertisements for online slot games.
Furthermore, more than 1,000 mobile wallet accounts connected to gambling operations have been permanently closed, while funds held in those accounts are being confiscated and transferred to the State in accordance with legal procedures, the deputy minister said. — TWA/ST
