Bangladesh’s parliament has unanimously passed the Gambling Prevention Bill, introducing tougher penalties for online betting and casino gambling while replacing the colonial-era Public Gambling Act of 1867.
The legislation creates a comprehensive legal framework to tackle modern gambling activities, including online betting, digital casinos, sports wagering and match fixing. It also expands the powers of law enforcement as authorities seek to curb gambling linked to digital payments, fraud and money laundering.
New law replaces 159-year-old legislation
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed tabled the bill following recommendations from the parliamentary standing committee on the law ministry.
The government said the previous Public Gambling Act, introduced in 1867, was no longer adequate to deal with technology-driven gambling offences. Rapid growth in online betting platforms and digital financial services had exposed major gaps in the existing law, prompting the need for updated legislation.
Jail terms and heavy fines introduced
The law sets out stricter punishments based on the nature of the offence.
People found directly or indirectly involved in gambling can face up to two years in prison, a fine of BDT 200,000 ($1,624), or both.
Operating or facilitating online or remote gambling can attract up to five years’ imprisonment and fines of as much as BDT 10 million ($81,293).
Those participating in online betting face the toughest penalties under the law, with jail terms of up to seven years and fines reaching BDT 50 million ($406,134).
The legislation also outlines 24 categories of gambling-related activities and provides 14 different categories of punishment.
Wide definition of gambling activities
The new law covers a broad range of gambling activities, including poker, card games, bingo, lottery, dice games, bookmaking, betting, match fixing and spot fixing.
It also recognises digital gambling platforms, digital wallets, crypto wallets and other online tools used to facilitate gambling.
Authorities have widened the definition of gambling venues to include homes, clubs, offices, cyber cafés, vehicles, websites, mobile applications, social media groups, data centres and other physical or virtual locations used for gambling operations.
MPs raise concerns over enforcement powers
Although Parliament passed the bill unanimously, several lawmakers questioned provisions that allow police to search premises, seize materials and block websites or mobile applications without prior court approval.
National Citizen Party MP Akhter Hossen said the provisions could affect citizens’ rights and leave room for misuse. Jamaat MP Nazibur Rahman also called for judicial oversight, proposing that police obtain approval from a magistrate after carrying out seizures.
Responding to the concerns, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said requiring court approval before action could allow gambling websites and digital evidence to disappear before authorities intervened. He added that police already hold similar powers under other laws.
Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam backed the legislation but expressed disappointment that opposition amendments were not adopted. He urged authorities to ensure the law is implemented fairly while protecting citizens’ rights.
Cyber Security Act amended
Parliament also approved the Cyber Security (Amendment) Bill, 2026, removing provisions on online gambling from the Cyber Security Act.
Law Minister Md Asaduzzman said the amendment was necessary because the newly passed Gambling Prevention Act now serves as Bangladesh’s primary law for dealing with gambling and online betting offences.
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