Gambling in Bangladesh

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Gambling in Bangladesh is illegal.[1] While the Public Gambling Act of 1867 prohibits public gambling and common casinoes, the rise of online gambling had created a legal gray area.[2]

The Public Gambling Act serves as the primary legislation governing gambling in Bangladesh.[3] However, its enactment in 1867 predates the internet age. This has led to ambiguities regarding the legality of online gambling. There is lack of specific regulations for online platforms, which leaves authorities and citizens unsure of the legal boundaries.[3] The ambiguity created a breeding ground for unregulated online gambling activities. The absence of proper regulations allows these platforms to operate with limited oversight.[4] These have raised concerns about potential financial risks, addiction as well as criminal activity.

It has been recognized that online gambling is used for laundering millions from Bangladesh to other countries.[3] Mobile banking agents in Meherpur is a conduit for many of the online gambling operation.[5]

Lottery[edit]

Unlike gambling and betting, recognized entities can operate lotteries in Bangladesh.[6][better source needed]

Sports betting[edit]

Online sports betting in Bangladesh increased dramatically after 2012 Bangladesh Premier League tournament.[7] Vast amount of teenagers, up to 90 percent, in rural areas were addicted to gambling in Bangladesh. They come across the advertisement for these gambling sites through Facebook and YouTube ads.[8] One Upazilla had cut cable during a match to try and curb betting.[9]

BPL, IPL, La Liga as well as English Premier League attracted gambling.[10]

Shakib Al Hasan, a sports personality, had come under fire for promoting a betting website.[8] He withdrew from the contract after pressure from BCB and the start of an investigation by Criminal Investigation Department.[11][8] Shakib's sister, Jannatul Hasan Ritu, name came up in an investigation on another incident known as Mahadev betting app case, where she was named an investor.[12]

Prosecution[edit]

Given the lack of harsh punishment for operating gambling operations, police have been using other laws such as Sections 23, 24, 26, 30 and 35 of the Digital Security Act, Money Laundering and Fraud laws are used for prosecuting gambling operations.[8]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "We need a clear legal framework to rein in online betting". The Business Standard. 2023-09-21. Retrieved 2024-03-27.
  2. ^ "The Public Gambling Act, 1867". bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd. Retrieved 2024-03-27.
  3. ^ a b c Ovi, Dewan Alif (2023-02-11). "Online gambling and money transaction: A question of legality in the context of Bangladesh". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2024-04-18.
  4. ^ "We need a clear legal framework to rein in online betting". The Business Standard. 2023-09-21. Retrieved 2024-04-18.
  5. ^ 'একটি গ্রাম নিয়ন্ত্রণ করে গোটা দেশের জুয়া চক্র' | Bangla News | Online Gambling | Channel 24. Retrieved 2024-04-25 – via www.youtube.com.
  6. ^ Lottery Policy, 2011
  7. ^ Islam, Rafiul (2016-12-15). "Police blacklist 12 websites". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2024-04-18.
  8. ^ a b c d "Online gambling ads targeting Bangladesh". The Business Standard. 2022-08-24. Retrieved 2024-03-27.
  9. ^ "Upazilla authorities in Feni block cable to stop IPL betting". The Business Standard. 2020-10-22. Retrieved 2024-04-18.
  10. ^ "Betting In Bangladesh". The Daily Star. 2013-06-14. Retrieved 2024-04-18.
  11. ^ Report, Star Sports (2022-08-04). "BCB to block Shakib's deal with Betwinner". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2024-04-18.
  12. ^ Correspondent, Staff (2024-03-10). "Shakib's sister embroiled in Indian betting scandal!". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2024-04-18.
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