Bangladesh Plans Stricter Rules for Online Gambling
DHAKA – Bangladesh is preparing a major overhaul of its gambling laws as the government moves to tighten restrictions on betting and online gambling.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Officials said the proposed legislation would replace the country’s Gambling Act of 1867, which authorities now consider outdated because it predates modern online gambling and digital payment systems.
Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the drafting process is in its final stage and the bill is expected to be introduced during the next parliamentary session. According to Ahmed, the government views the rapid growth of online gambling as a serious threat to social stability, young people and the wider economy.
Government Targets Online Gambling Growth
Bangladesh currently bans most forms of gambling, although limited exceptions exist for some horse racing bets and government-approved lotteries. The planned overhaul follows earlier action in 2025, when Bangladesh criminalized online gambling under changes to its cyber law.
Officials said mobile technology and online payment systems have dramatically increased access to gambling platforms, especially among younger users. Authorities are also concerned about the growing number of offshore operators available inside Bangladesh.
The proposed reforms are expected to strengthen enforcement against both traditional and online gambling activity. Penalties could apply not only to operators, but also to financial institutions, advertisers and other parties accused of facilitating illegal betting.
Authorities said more than 1,000 accounts suspected of links to gambling activity have already been identified for closure over the past year, while hundreds of people have reportedly faced charges connected to illegal betting operations.
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New Law Expected to Increase Penalties
The government has not yet released the full draft legislation, but officials indicated that the new framework would modernise penalties and enforcement powers.
Under existing law, people involved in organising or promoting gambling can face fines, imprisonment or both. The updated legislation is expected to impose stricter measures aimed at limiting online gambling access and reducing illegal activity.
Ahmed said the government also remains concerned about the spread of gambling-related content through social media platforms.
The proposed law forms part of a broader push by Bangladeshi authorities to address issues linked to gambling addiction, fraud and the movement of money outside the country through unregulated betting activity.
While supporting tighter controls, Ahmed also said the government recognised the importance of maintaining a free media environment, although certain restrictions may still be necessary to protect public order and national interests.
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