Key Points
- The Gambling Prevention Bill received parliamentary approval in Bangladesh on July 1, 2026.
- This legislation supersedes the outdated Public Gambling Act from 1867, focusing on digital platforms.
- Violations involving online gambling can result in imprisonment for up to 5 years plus fines reaching Tk 1 crore.
- Those engaging in online betting face maximum penalties of 7 years imprisonment and Tk 5 crore in fines.
- Legislators simultaneously approved modifications to cyber security legislation, removing gambling-related provisions.
On July 1, Bangladesh’s legislative body approved groundbreaking gambling legislation. The measure is officially titled the Gambling Prevention Bill.
This legislation replaces antiquated regulations dating back to 1867. Those historical provisions were established under colonial administration and failed to address contemporary digital challenges.
The updated legislation addresses internet-based gambling, casino operations, and sports manipulation. It encompasses digital wagering platforms and virtual private networks utilized to circumvent restrictions.
Legislative Introduction and Debate
Salahuddin Ahmed, serving as Home Minister, presented the legislation to parliament. His action followed recommendations from the parliamentary standing committee overseeing legal affairs.
Representatives across party lines participated in parliamentary discussions. The majority expressed support for the legislation’s objectives.
Certain legislators voiced concerns regarding enforcement procedures. Akhter Hossen, representing the National Citizen Party, argued that law enforcement should obtain judicial authorization before conducting searches or blocking websites.
Jamaat representative Nazibur Rahman echoed these concerns. He questioned whether the bill’s law enforcement provisions might contradict established criminal procedure protocols.
The home minister addressed these objections directly. He explained that mandatory court approval could enable gambling operations to destroy evidence before authorities could intervene.
He emphasized that law enforcement already possesses comparable authority under existing legislation. The bill ultimately received unanimous approval with no opposing votes.
Nahid Islam, serving as Opposition Chief Whip, confirmed his faction’s support. He expressed disappointment that certain recommended modifications weren’t incorporated.
He urged government officials to prevent abuse of the legislation. He stressed the importance of safeguarding citizen rights.
Sentencing Guidelines and Enforcement
The legislation establishes precise consequences for various gambling violations. Standard gambling participation may result in imprisonment up to 2 years.
Monetary penalties for standard violations can reach Tk 200,000. Digital or remote gambling operations face significantly stricter consequences.
Such violations may result in imprisonment up to 5 years. Financial penalties can reach Tk 1 crore.
Betting through online platforms receives the most severe penalties. Offenders may face imprisonment up to 7 years.
Monetary penalties for digital betting operations can reach Tk 5 crore. The legislation identifies 24 distinct categories of gambling-related conduct.
These classifications encompass gambling establishments, electronic payment systems, digital gaming platforms, and match manipulation. The law establishes 14 separate punishment categories corresponding to offense severity.
Salahuddin highlighted the dangers posed by internet betting operations and fraudulent mobile financial services. He identified money laundering and financial fraud as major concerns connected to these platforms.
He stated these problems could undermine social stability and harm younger generations. This rationale formed part of his presentation when introducing the legislation previously.
Concurrently with the gambling legislation, parliament approved supplementary legislation. This is identified as the Cyber Security Amendment Bill of 2026.
It eliminates Section 20 from existing Cyber Security Act provisions. That particular section previously addressed penalties for internet-based gambling activities.
Faqir Mahbub Anam, serving as Post, Telecommunications, and ICT Minister, presented this amendment. Parliament approved it through voice vote procedures.
Law Minister Md Asaduzzman clarified the rationale behind this modification. He explained that with dedicated gambling legislation now enacted, the cyber security statute no longer requires redundant provisions.
Both pieces of legislation became operative following their July 1 approval. Combined, they modernize Bangladesh’s approach to addressing gambling violations across digital and traditional venues.
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