JAPAN - Pools betting on soccer launched in March 2001 with the government-run Sports Advancement Lottery. Players have to guess the results of 13 local soccer matches and the top prize is awarded to players who predict the correct results of all 13 games. Part of the revenue is paid to government and used to subsidize sports development.

MALAYSIA - Soccer and other sports betting, except for horse racing, remain illegal in this mainly Muslim country. Underground betting in pubs and coffee shops is said to be rampant despite police crackdowns.

SINGAPORE - Became one of the first Asian countries to allow soccer betting in March 1999 through a pool system run by the government. From 30 May 2002, soccer fans legally bet on the World Cup matches through the STRIKE! game. Previously, Singaporeans could only legally bet on horse races and local soccer matches. Singapore Pools, the government run lottery operator, has estimated the World Cup could attract S$200 million (US$110 million) in bets.