Bangladesh Gambling Law Tightens

The government has moved to introduce a comprehensive new legal framework aimed at strictly curbing online and offline gambling, betting, and financially risky gaming activities. The proposed legislation, titled the “Betting and Gambling Prevention Act (Online and Offline) 2026”, has already been finalised in draft form and is expected to be placed before Parliament shortly for passage.

The draft received in-principle approval during a Cabinet meeting held on Thursday. It also proposes the repeal of the outdated Public Gambling Act 1867, which officials argue is no longer adequate for addressing the complexities of modern, technology-driven gambling practices.

The new law significantly broadens the legal definition of gambling-related offences. It explicitly covers online gambling, remote betting systems, virtual casinos, digital platform-based wagering, and transactions conducted through digital wallets. It also criminalises the creation, promotion, or operation of gambling-related applications and websites, as well as any form of encouragement of such activities in cyberspace. In addition, match-fixing and spot-fixing in sports are clearly defined as punishable offences.

Importantly, the draft extends jurisdiction beyond national borders. Any foreign individual or organisation targeting Bangladeshi users through online gambling platforms, even if operating from abroad, will be treated as committing an offence within Bangladesh if its impact is felt domestically. This provision is designed to strengthen enforcement against offshore websites, social media-based betting networks, and foreign digital payment channels facilitating gambling.

Proposed offences and penalties

The draft also empowers courts to restrict convicted individuals from participating in sporting activities for a specified period or permanently, depending on the severity of the offence.

Officials argue that the existing colonial-era legislation is insufficient to address contemporary threats such as biometric fraud, fake SIM usage, digital money laundering, and cryptocurrency-linked gambling networks. According to the government, such activities are increasingly contributing to social instability, financial loss, and negative influences on young people.

However, the draft has prompted concern from civil rights groups, including the Human Rights Forum Bangladesh. The organisation has raised objections to provisions under clauses 39(1) and 39(2), which allow authorities to search, seize, and arrest individuals based on “suspicion” or “belief”, including access to personal digital devices.

It warns that without judicial oversight, independent monitoring, and stronger accountability mechanisms, these powers could risk undermining privacy rights and lead to potential misuse. The group has also called for a reassessment of provisions relating to mobile court authority.

Overall, while the proposed law represents a significant step towards regulating gambling in the digital era, it has also sparked an ongoing debate between strengthening enforcement mechanisms and safeguarding civil liberties.