Bangladesh has launched a nationwide public awareness campaign to highlight the legal, financial, and social consequences of illegal online gambling. This follows the implementation of the Gambling Prevention Act 2026.
The initiative is supported by Bangladesh Bank, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and mobile financial services provider bKash. Moreover, messages are being distributed through television, newspapers, and social media.
Campaign Highlights New Legal Penalties
The campaign aims to educate the public about the country’s updated gambling laws. At the same time, it warns individuals involved in illegal online gambling about the penalties they may face.
Under the Gambling Prevention Act 2026, offenders may face prison sentences of up to two years, fines of up to BDT100 million, and arrest without a warrant. Furthermore, authorities said the campaign is designed to raise awareness of the expanded enforcement powers introduced under the new legislation.
New Law Expands Regulatory Scope
The Gambling Prevention Act 2026 replaces the Public Gambling Act of 1867. It extends regulation beyond traditional gambling activities to include online gambling, digital casinos, sports betting, cryptocurrency-related gambling, and associated financial crimes.
The legislation also gives authorities broader powers to investigate gambling activity conducted through websites, mobile applications, social media platforms, and digital payment systems. In addition, enforcement agencies are now able to block gambling websites and disrupt financial transactions linked to illegal gambling operations.
Authorities Strengthen Enforcement Efforts
The campaign forms part of a wider enforcement strategy involving financial regulators, law enforcement agencies, and payment service providers.
By combining financial monitoring, criminal investigations, and payment system oversight, the government aims to make it more difficult for illegal gambling operators to conduct business. At the same time, it seeks to increase public awareness of the legal risks.
Officials said the initiative is intended not only to educate the public but also to deter operators, promoters, and individuals involved in illegal online gambling. In fact, it aims to do this by reinforcing the strengthened legal framework now in force.
