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Bangladesh’s cabinet has given in-principle approval to the draft Gambling Prevention Act, 2026, moving to replace a 159-year-old gambling framework as authorities seek tighter controls over online betting, digital gambling platforms and match-fixing.
The approval was granted on Thursday, June 18, at the 10th Cabinet meeting held at the parliament building and chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, according to the Cabinet Division. The draft will be vetted by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division before being submitted for final approval, although no timeline has been announced.
The bill would modernize the Public Gambling Act of 1867, a colonial-era law that already prohibits most traditional gambling in Bangladesh, including land-based casinos. Officials say the existing framework is no longer sufficient as gambling activity increasingly moves to smartphones, social media, messaging applications, foreign websites and online payment systems.
According to BSS News, Bangladesh’s official news agency, the proposed law is intended to “maintain public order, reduce criminal tendencies, prevent socio-economic and psychological harm, and preserve the country’s overall moral and economic balance.”
The agency said key features include “definitions of gambling, gambling premises, gambling equipment, digital assets, digital gambling platforms, digital wallets, totalisators, online and remote gambling, betting, bookmakers, match-fixing, spot-fixing and other gambling-related activities”.
The Dhaka Tribune reported that offenders may face fines, imprisonment or both, depending on the nature and severity of the offense. Detailed penalty structures are expected to be finalized during the legislative review process.
The proposal comes after Rahman’s center-right Bangladesh Nationalist Party took office in February following a landslide parliamentary election victory.
Officials and experts have pointed to the growth of technology-driven gambling networks, including platforms using mobile financial services and digital payment channels for betting-related transactions.
Law enforcement agencies and cybercrime investigators have warned about online betting networks operating through foreign websites, social media and messaging apps, while authorities have carried out operations against syndicates accused of recruiting local users for international gambling platforms.
The draft would expand punishable offenses beyond gambling itself to include organizing, facilitating, promoting or providing technical support for illegal gambling activities. It also separately defines and criminalizes match-fixing and spot-fixing, reflecting concerns over the integrity of sporting events.
Experts have raised concern about online betting among young people, particularly around cricket tournaments, football leagues and esports competitions. Mental health professionals have warned that excessive gambling can contribute to financial distress, family conflict, anxiety and other psychological problems, while private online access can make addiction harder to detect.
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, as reported by Dhaka Tribune.