Gambling in Bangladesh

Last updated

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

Contents

Lottery

Unlike gambling and betting, recognized entities can operate lotteries in Bangladesh. [3]

Online gambling

The Public Gambling Act of 1867 serves as the primary legislation governing gambling in Bangladesh. [4] However, its enactment in 1867 pre-dates the internet age which has led to ambiguities regarding the legality of online gambling; due to lack of specific regulations for online platforms, authorities and citizens remain unsure of the practice's legal boundaries. [4] As a result, the internet has become a breeding ground for unregulated online gambling activities in Bangladesh with limited oversight. [1] Such practices have raised concerns about potential financial risks, addiction, and criminal activity.

Mobile banking agents in Meherpur have served as a conduit for many online gambling operations. [5]

Sports betting

Online sports betting in Bangladesh increased dramatically after the 2012 Bangladesh Premier League tournament. [6] BPL, IPL, La Liga, and English Premier League matches, among others, have also attracted gambling. [7]

Since then, it has been reported that vast numbers of teenagers in Bangladesh's rural areas have become addicted to gambling, specifically coming across gambling sites through Facebook and YouTube ads. [8] Many gamblers wind-up selling their land and other assets to sustain this addiction, and some commit suicide after incurring huge losses. [9] One upazila attempted to curb online sports betting by cutting cable during a match. [10]

Shakib Al Hasan, a sports personality, drew controversy for promoting a sports betting website. [8] He subsequently withdrew from his contract after pressure from BCB and an impending investigation by Criminal Investigation Department. [11] [8] Shakib's sister, Jannatul Hasan Ritu, was also subject to investigation on another incident known as the Mahadev betting app case where she was named an investor. [12]

Domestic football has also seen numerous betting scandals. In September 2019, a Bangladesh Police raid on clubhouses in Motijheel, Dhaka, revealed the presence of illegal casino and gambling equipment. [13] In 2021, Bangladesh Premier Football League club Arambagh KS were relegated to the third-tier, due to their involvement in spot-fixing, match manipulations, live and online betting and other irregularities. [14] Match-fixing remains rampant in Bangladesh's lower football leagues, with gambling syndicates influencing club officials with financial incentives, while the BFF faces criticism for inadequate action. [15] [16]

Prosecution

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

References

  1. 1 2 "We need a clear legal framework to rein in online betting". The Business Standard. 2023-09-21. Retrieved 2024-04-18.
  2. ↑ "The Public Gambling Act, 1867". bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd. Retrieved 2024-03-27.
  3. ↑ Lottery Policy, 2011
  4. 1 2 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.
  5. ↑ 'একটি গ্রাম নিয়ন্ত্রণ করে গোটা দেশের জুয়া চক্র' | Bangla News | Online Gambling | Channel 24 . Retrieved 2024-04-25– via www.youtube.com.
  6. ↑ Islam, Rafiul (2016-12-15). "Police blacklist 12 websites". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2024-04-18.
  7. ↑ "Betting In Bangladesh". The Daily Star. 2013-06-14. Retrieved 2024-04-18.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "Online gambling ads targeting Bangladesh". The Business Standard. 2022-08-24. Retrieved 2024-03-27.
  9. ↑ "Sugarcoated betting ads are unstoppable on TV". The Business Standard. 2024-05-05. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  10. ↑ "Upazilla authorities in Feni block cable to stop IPL betting". The Business Standard. 2020-10-22. Retrieved 2024-04-18.
  11. ↑ "BCB to block Shakib's deal with Betwinner". The Daily Star. 2022-08-04. Retrieved 2024-04-18.
  12. ↑ "Shakib's sister embroiled in Indian betting scandal!". The Daily Star. 2024-03-10. Retrieved 2024-04-18.
  13. ↑ Hossain, Imran (25 September 2019). "Cards to Casinos: How politicians ruined the sports clubs". Dhaka Tribune. Archived from the original on 3 August 2024. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  14. ↑ "Arambagh KS relegated to first division over spot- fixing". Prothom Alo. 30 August 2021. Archived from the original on 2022-04-05. Retrieved 2022-04-05.
  15. ↑ "'Match-fixing has turned into an epidemic'". The Daily Star. 2022-04-16. Archived from the original on 2025-02-25. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  16. ↑ "The grim spectre of betting: Fixing epidemic returns to haunt Bangladesh football". The Daily Star. 2025-01-31. Archived from the original on 2025-02-25. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
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