Scam in United KingdomOn the street
Cup and ball betting game in United Kingdom
How it works
A person moves three cups and asks you to bet on which hides a ball. They secretly remove the ball, so you cannot win by following it. People who stop to watch may also be pickpocketed.
Warning signs
- Someone runs a betting game with three cups on a mat.
- You are encouraged to stop and place a bet.
How to avoid it
- Do not bet.
- Keep walking instead of joining the crowd.
- Keep your phone and wallet secure as you pass.
If it happens to you
Leave the game. Do not try to win your money back. Report theft to police.
- Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or confront anyone carrying a weapon.
- Call 999 or 112 if you are threatened, injured or being held against your will. For a crime that does not need an emergency response, call 101.
- Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about unauthorised or forced payments. If your phone was stolen, lock it remotely and contact your mobile provider.
- Save receipts, booking details, messages and payment records. Write down the location, time and what happened while you remember it.
- Report the incident to the relevant police or transport staff. Ask for a report reference and contact your insurer.
- If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate through its official contact details.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/ScamsUK2026Tourist scams london?Commenters report cup-and-ball games on London bridges with accomplices pretending to be ordinary spectators or winners.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/london2022Tourists be careful! Don’t fall for this scam! This has been going on for at least 10 years, why does the police not stop them?A community warning discusses street gambling scams targeting tourists on Westminster Bridge.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the cup and ball betting game scam in United Kingdom?
A person moves three cups and asks you to bet on which hides a ball. They secretly remove the ball, so you cannot win by following it. People who stop to watch may also be pickpocketed.
How can I spot it early?
Someone runs a betting game with three cups on a mat. You are encouraged to stop and place a bet.
How do I avoid cup and ball betting game in United Kingdom?
Do not bet. Keep walking instead of joining the crowd. Keep your phone and wallet secure as you pass.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Leave the game. Do not try to win your money back. Report theft to police.
Where in United Kingdom does this happen?
Busy pedestrian bridges, especially Westminster Bridge. It has been reported in London.
How common is this scam in United Kingdom?
Very common. The United Kingdom is generally safe to visit, but tourists can face theft, street cons and misleading prices. London has several scams aimed at visitors, including rigged street games, ticket-machine theft and costly currency exchange. Watch your phone, refuse pushy offers and check prices before paying.
Are there similar scams in United Kingdom?
Yes: pushy performers and paid-photo demands, free flowers and lucky heather demands, false monk donation requests.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 999 or 112 for an immediate serious threat to life or safety. Ask for the service you need and give your exact location, including the town or city. Local police: call 101 to report a crime or concern that does not need an emergency response. In London, the Metropolitan Police covers most of the city; the City of London Police covers the City of London. British Transport Police: speak to an officer or station staff about railway incidents. For the tissue-selling scam on trains, text 61016 when above ground. ATM premises or bank: tell staff if a machine has suspicious attachments or appears altered. Also report it to police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Do not try to remove a device. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or a verified contact number to freeze cards and report suspicious, unauthorised or forced payments. Mobile provider: use the provider's official contact channel to report a stolen phone and block the SIM. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need document assistance. Travel insurer or rental company: report the loss through their official claims or support channel. Keep the police reference, receipts and supporting records.
What number do I call in an emergency in United Kingdom?
Emergency police, ambulance, fire and rescue: 999, Alternative emergency number: 112, Non-emergency police: 101.
Reviewed by @snuck