Bangladesh introduces updated legislation to combat gambling, including online platforms

(AsiaGameHub) –   Authorities in Bangladesh are aiming to clamp down on gambling by replacing a law that has been in place for more than 150 years.

According to local news outlet BSS News, Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has confirmed a plan to replace the obsolete Gambling Act of 1867 with a new law designed to curb both land-based and online gambling.

Ahmed told reporters that the decision was made in response to the growing popularity of online betting and gaming, which now demands a more tech-focused legal framework.

Speaking to journalists at the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum, he stated that the new law is currently in the final drafting stages and will be presented to the country’s parliament during its next session.

The Home Minister provided few details on how the new legislation will go further than the existing Gambling Act, given that it already bans nearly all forms of gambling.

Under the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025, anyone found operating or promoting online gambling can face up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $80,000.

Despite this, gambling activity remains prevalent in Bangladesh, as indicated by policymakers’ push to update the law.

Earlier this year, Ahmed pledged a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to gambling following concerns raised by opposition member of parliament Zainul Abdin Farroque, who represents the Noakhali-2 constituency.

“To save the youth from ruin, the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy,” said Ahmed, who promised that law enforcement agencies will conduct coordinated operations to dismantle networks linked to drugs and gambling.

Last week, Bangladeshi Police arrested three men accused of being part of a syndicate involved in money laundering through online gambling platforms.

Md Ala Uddin, 42, Shahadat Hossain, 32, and Md Sahab Uddin, 48, were all detained following raids that uncovered five mobile phones believed to be connected to illegal financial transactions, along with credit cards and cheque books.

According to the police, the syndicate promotes its gambling sites across social media and other online platforms, and requires players to deposit money into bank accounts in exchange for e-money to use on betting accounts.