The new law replaces the country’s 1867 gambling legislation and introduces new penalties for online gambling.
Bangladesh.- The Bangladesh parliament has unanimously approved the Gambling Prevention Act, 2026. The legislation will replace the colonial-era Public Gambling Act of 1867 with a new legal framework that contemplates online gambling and other digital technologies.
The act establishes legal definitions for 24 gambling-related activities, including online and remote gambling, digital gambling platforms, digital wallets, betting, bookmaking, match-fixing and spot-fixing. It expands the definition of gambling venues to include websites, mobile applications, social media groups, servers, data centres and other digital platforms.
It also introduces 14 categories of penalties. Participation in traditional gambling will be punishable by up to two years in prison, a fine of up to BDT200,000 (US$1,600), or both. Online or remote gambling carries penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment and fines of up to BDT10m (US$80,000).
The toughest sanctions apply to online betting, with offenders facing up to seven years in prison, fines of up to BDT50m (US$400,000), or both. The legislation also establishes penalties for bookmakers, operators of gambling venues and individuals involved in facilitating illegal gambling activities.
According to the government, the legislation responds to the growing use of online platforms, social media, mobile payment services and other digital technologies for gambling, fraud and money laundering.
During the parliamentary debate, several lawmakers voiced concerns over provisions allowing police to search premises, seize evidence and block websites without prior court approval, warning that the powers should be exercised with safeguards against potential abuse. Government officials defended the measures, arguing they are necessary to prevent evidence from being removed before law enforcement can act.
The new law replaces the country’s 1867 gambling legislation and introduces new penalties for online gambling. Bangladesh.- The Bangladesh parliament has unanimously approved the Gambling Prevention Act, 2026. The legislation will replace the colonial-era Public Gambling Act of 1867 with a new legal framework that contemplates online gambling and other digital technologies. The act establishes…
