Illegal online casinos have escalated their tactics by creating AI-generated deepfake videos and fake news articles to falsely claim endorsements from high-profile footballers. Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes have both been targeted by the unlicensed operators Nightwin and QH88, which used sophisticated deception to fool customers into believing the stars had partnered with their brands.
How the Scam Worked
For Bellingham, Nightwin purchased Instagram advertisements featuring a fabricated BBC story announcing the launch of “Bellingham Bet,” described as “Britain’s most honest betting app.” The ad included a logo incorporating Bellingham’s stylised signature, used by his sponsor Adidas. Clicking the link led to an app with a fake rating of 4.9 out of 5 and a claimed 1.9 million downloads, ultimately redirecting users to the Nightwin gambling platform. The scam was short-lived, with ads disappearing within days, leaving only screenshots as evidence.
Bruno Fernandes faced a more elaborate attack. QH88, a Vietnamese sportsbook and casino, created a dedicated website promoting a fictitious ambassadorial deal with the Portugal international. The site featured a strikingly realistic AI-generated deepfake video showing Fernandes signing a contract with QH88 representatives at Old Trafford. The one-minute film was analysed by an expert for the Norwegian website Josimar, who identified signs of AI manipulation such as blurred details, continuity errors, and generic faces. However, these red flags would likely be missed by casual viewers, making the video appear credible.
Legal and Regulatory Context
Illegal gambling operators typically operate from offshore jurisdictions like Curaçao, where anonymity is protected by local regulations and shell companies. Nightwin is licensed in Curaçao and was launched by Flybergom B.V., a company incorporated there in May 2024. Its registered address in Willemstad is an office building housing corporate services firms that act as trustees for thousands of opaque businesses. The platform is accessible in the UK without a VPN, despite not being registered with the Great Britain Gambling Commission.
Active footballers are prohibited by Article 27 of the FIFA Code of Ethics from deriving benefit from association with sports betting operators. Yerry Mina, then at Everton, was fined £10,000 by the Football Association in 2019 for appearing in a TV advert for a Colombian sportsbook. However, enforcement against offshore operators is nearly impossible, as cease-and-desist letters are ignored and legal action is hindered by the anonymity of beneficial owners.
Impact and Future Risks
The brazen use of deepfake technology marks a new low for illegal sportsbooks. Fernandes, as Manchester United’s captain and most popular player in Vietnam, was a prime target. The Macolin Convention, to which the UK is a signatory, defines illegal sports betting as any activity not allowed under the jurisdiction where the consumer is located. Without coordinated global regulatory efforts, similar attacks are likely to increase.
A spokesperson for the Great Britain Gambling Commission stated: “Whenever we become aware of an unlicensed operator we take action. Before depositing money we urge consumers to check the business holds a Commission licence.” The Guardian contacted QH88, Fernandes’ management, Real Madrid, and Manchester United, but received no response. Fifpro referred the query to its legal department, which could not respond in time. Nightwin and Flybergom B.V. could not be reached for comment.
