Gambling Regulation in Bangladesh

The case of Bangladesh is elaborative, culturally, religiously, and legally, when it comes to gambling. Although the Public Gambling Act has forbidden most types of gambling since 1867, the previous vagueness regarding online betting has been addressed by significant new legislation. Now, let us discuss how the regulation of gambling works in Bangladesh and what its international trends are.

This article was updated on April 24, 2026. 

The Public Gambling Act of 1867: The Foundation

Presently, the primary laws in Bangladesh relating to physical gambling remain based on the Public Gambling Act of 1867, a legacy of the British colonial era. This law outlaws most types of gambling, including brick-and-mortar casinos, card games, and sports betting. Whoever is found guilty under this act faces stern punishments, including fines and imprisonment. Government-run lotteries and prize bonds are practically the only exceptions.

Regardless, underground betting continues. Cricket betting and card games occur in secret, but these remain strictly illegal. Police raids on illegal gambling dens happen regularly, and recent legislative shifts have moved toward closing the loopholes that previously existed for digital platforms.

Online Gaming: From Grey Area to Criminal Offense

While online betting was previously considered a “legal limbo,” the government has recently solidified its stance. Under the Cyber Security Ordinance of 2025, online gambling is now explicitly criminalized. Section 20 of this ordinance states that creating, operating, or promoting any online platform, app, or device related to gambling is a punishable offense.

Those found guilty of participating in or facilitating online gambling face:

• Imprisonment for up to two years.

• A fine of up to Tk1 crore (10 million BDT).

• Or both.

The government has adopted a “zero-tolerance” policy, and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has ramped up efforts, blocking over 4,600 gambling websites and 15,000 social media links as of early 2026.

Horse Racing: The Exception to the Rule

Horse racing remains one of the few legal forms of gambling in the country. Regulated by the Bangladesh Race Control Authority (BRCA), this sporting event allows individual betting through specific sanctioned channels. This indicates that while the government is tightening restrictions on modern digital gambling, it continues to recognize the historical and cultural status of horse racing.

International Perspectives: How Other Countries Handle It

Comparatively, the laws of Bangladesh remain among the strictest in the world. Many countries have adapted more liberal approaches, utilizing regulations that monitor and tax gambling activities. Nations like the UK and Australia permit various forms of gambling under regulatory oversight. Bangladesh, however, has chosen to double down on prohibition, updating its 19th-century framework with the 2025 Cyber Security Ordinance to combat the modern challenges of digital betting.

Additionally, read the full Bangladesh iGaming market research report.

Social Impact of Gambling in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, gambling is not only a matter of legality but also of deep-seated religio-cultural convictions. With a predominantly Muslim population, gambling is regarded as immoral under Islamic teachings, ensuring strong public support for anti-gambling laws.

Recently, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and the High Court have been vocal about the “epidemic” of online betting. Despite the 2025 laws, “surrogate advertisements” (where betting sites pose as news or sports portals) continue to target viewers during events like the IPL and BPL. TIB has cited online gambling as a primary driver for financial ruin, money laundering, and mental health crises among the youth.

Money Laundering and Online Gambling

A major driver for the 2025–2026 crackdown is the link between online gambling and money laundering. Investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have revealed that billions of takas are laundered abroad annually through mobile financial services (MFS) and cryptocurrencies. Many of these platforms are operated from overseas—specifically Russia, Indonesia, and Malta—using local agents to facilitate transactions. In response, the Bangladesh Bank has ordered MFS providers to freeze thousands of accounts suspected of involvement in gambling-related money laundering.

Future of Gambling Laws in Bangladesh

With the passing of the Cyber Security Ordinance of 2025, the “grey area” of online gambling has effectively closed. The government is now focused on enforcement rather than further liberal reform. Future efforts are expected to focus on international cooperation to block offshore sites and more sophisticated monitoring of digital payment gateways to prevent the outflow of capital.

Even with the advent of the 21st century, the core stance remains: gambling is illegal in Bangladesh, with the minor exceptions of horse racing and government lotteries.