Bangladesh Government approves draft of Gambling Prevention Act, 2026
The proposed law introduces definitions for online gambling, digital gambling platforms, digital wallets, betting and match-fixing, as authorities seek to address the growth of technology-driven gambling activities.
Bangladesh.- Bangladesh’s Cabinet has approved the draft of the Gambling Prevention Act, 2026, a new bill designed to modernise the country’s gambling laws and address the growing use of digital platforms for betting and gambling activities.
The proposed legislation would replace the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which authorities say no longer reflects the realities of modern gambling.
According to the government, the expansion of technology has contributed to the spread of both online and offline gambling, prompting the need for an updated legal framework.
The draft law introduces definitions for online and remote gambling, digital gambling platforms, digital wallets, bookmakers, betting, match-fixing and spot-fixing, among other gambling-related activities.
It also includes penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment, depending on the nature of the offence.
The bill was approved in principle during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and will now undergo final legal review before moving forward in the legislative process.
The proposed law introduces definitions for online gambling, digital gambling platforms, digital wallets, betting and match-fixing, as authorities seek to address the growth of technology-driven gambling activities. Bangladesh.- Bangladesh’s Cabinet has approved the draft of the Gambling Prevention Act, 2026, a new bill designed to modernise the country’s gambling laws and address the growing use…