The government has moved to tighten controls on the spread of online gambling, digital betting platforms and match-fixing activities by approving in principle the draft Gambling Prevention Act, 2026, which introduces provisions for imprisonment and financial penalties for a range of gambling-related offences.
The approval came at the 10th Cabinet meeting held at the parliament building on Thursday, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, according to a statement issued by the Cabinet Division.
Officials said the proposed law is aimed at addressing the rapid expansion of technology-driven gambling activities, which have increasingly shifted from traditional venues to digital platforms accessible through smartphones, social media and online payment systems.
According to the Cabinet Division, the draft legislation has been prepared to modernize and update the Public Gambling Act of 1867, a colonial-era law that authorities say is no longer adequate to deal with contemporary forms of gambling.
The draft introduces legal definitions for several emerging concepts, including digital gambling platforms, online and remote gambling, betting and wagering, digital assets and wallets, totalizators, professional bookmakers, match-fixing and spot-fixing.
The government argues that technological advancements have significantly transformed the gambling landscape, creating new risks for public order, social stability, mental health and financial security.
Law enforcement agencies and cybercrime investigators have repeatedly warned about the growing presence of online betting networks operating through foreign websites, social media platforms and messaging applications.
In recent years, authorities have carried out several operations targeting illegal betting syndicates allegedly involved in recruiting local users for international gambling platforms. Investigations have also identified the use of mobile financial services and digital payment channels in betting-related transactions.
Cybersecurity experts say many online gambling operators function across borders, making enforcement difficult under existing legal frameworks.
The proposed law seeks to address these challenges by expanding the scope of punishable offences beyond gambling itself to include organizing, facilitating, promoting or providing technical support for illegal gambling activities.
Experts have expressed concern over the growing popularity of online betting among young people, particularly around major sporting events such as international cricket tournaments, football leagues and esports competitions.
Mental health professionals have also warned that excessive gambling can lead to financial distress, family conflict, anxiety and other psychological problems, noting that online platforms make detection of addiction more difficult as gambling often takes place in private settings.
The draft law separately defines and criminalizes match-fixing and spot-fixing, reflecting growing concerns over the integrity of sporting events. Sports governance experts say illegal betting markets create incentives for manipulation of results, undermining public confidence in professional competitions.
According to the draft, offenders may face fines, imprisonment or both, depending on the nature and severity of the offence. Detailed penalty structures will be finalized during the legislative review process.
The draft will now undergo vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division before being placed for final approval.
Cybersecurity expert Arif Mohiuddin said stronger legislation is necessary but stressed that enforcement will be key.
“Online gambling is no longer merely a social issue; it has become a significant cybersecurity and financial crime concern. Many platforms collect sensitive user data and may also create avenues for money laundering. Effective implementation of the law will be crucial,” he said.
Experts also noted that legislation alone may not be sufficient to combat online gambling networks, calling for coordinated efforts involving financial regulators, telecommunications authorities, law enforcement agencies and international technology companies.
Measures such as blocking illegal gambling websites, monitoring suspicious financial transactions, strengthening digital literacy and raising public awareness are expected to play an important supporting role.
If enacted, the Gambling Prevention Act, 2026 would mark a major overhaul of Bangladesh’s gambling regulations in more than a century, reflecting the government’s effort to address challenges posed by an increasingly digital gambling ecosystem.