Bangladesh has introduced a sweeping new gambling law that criminalizes online gambling, sports betting, and digital gambling networks, with the most serious offenses carrying prison sentences of up to 10 years.
The Gambling Prevention Act, 2026 took effect on July 1 following its publication in the official gazette, replacing the colonial-era Public Gambling Act, 1867. The legislation significantly strengthens the country’s enforcement powers against illegal gambling and related financial crimes.
Tougher Penalties for Online Gambling
Under the new law, operating online gambling or betting platforms is punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment and fines of up to BDT50 million (US$405,500).
Individuals involved in online gambling activities face penalties of up to five years in prison or fines of BDT10 million (US$81,100).
The law also targets bookmakers, gambling networks using VPNs or mirror websites, and operators relying on digital infrastructure to facilitate illegal betting.
Money Laundering and Match-Fixing
Organized gambling and laundering gambling proceeds through fake SIM cards, fraudulent mobile financial service accounts, or cryptocurrency carry the harshest penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and fines of BDT50 million.
The legislation also introduces tougher sanctions for sports integrity offenses. Match-fixing is punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment, while spot-fixing carries penalties of up to five years. Courts may also temporarily or permanently ban offenders from participating in the relevant sport.
Advertising and Digital Enforcement
The law extends liability to media outlets, digital platforms, influencers, artists, athletes, and affiliates involved in promoting gambling through advertisements, sponsorships, referral programs, or affiliate marketing. Violations may result in up to three years’ imprisonment and fines of BDT5 million (US$40,550).
Authorities have also been granted broad enforcement powers, including the ability to freeze bank accounts, digital wallets, cryptocurrency assets, servers, domains, SIM cards, mobile devices, and other assets linked to gambling operations.
To strengthen enforcement, the government will deploy artificial intelligence, transaction monitoring systems, deep packet inspection, biometric verification, facial recognition, and a national digital blacklist to detect illegal gambling activities.
Implementation of the new law will involve multiple government agencies, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, Bangladesh Bank, Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit, and the Criminal Investigation Department, supported by an inter-agency task force and international cooperation initiatives.
