Photo: Collected

SANGSAD BHABAN, June 23, 2026 (BSS) - The Gambling Prevention Bill, 2026 was placed in the Jatiya Sangsad today, aiming to tighten controls on online gambling, digital betting platforms and match-fixing through strict imprisonment and financial penalties.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed placed the bill in the House with Panel Chairman Zainul Abedin in the chair.

While placing the legislation, the Home Minister said the proposed law seeks to modernize the colonial-era Public Gambling Act of 1867, which is no longer adequate to address contemporary, technology-driven gambling accessible via smartphones, social media and online payment systems.

He added online gambling has evolved beyond a social issue into a significant cybersecurity and financial crime concern, noting that many platforms compromise sensitive user data and create avenues for money laundering.

The draft legislation introduces legal definitions for emerging concepts, including digital gambling platforms, online and remote gambling, digital assets, totalizators, professional bookmakers, match-fixing, and spot-fixing. It significantly expands the scope of punishable offenses beyond individual gambling to target those who organize, facilitate, promote, or provide technical support for illegal platforms. Offenders will face fines, imprisonment, or both, with the precise penalty structures to be finalized during the upcoming legislative review.

The government drafted the law in response to rising warnings from law enforcement and cybercrime investigators regarding international betting networks operating through foreign websites and messaging apps.

Recent investigations have revealed that these illegal syndicates frequently target young people-particularly around major cricket, football, and esports tournaments-while utilizing local mobile financial services to process transactions.

Mental health professionals and cybersecurity experts have warned that the private nature of online betting fuels rapid addiction, financial distress and data privacy risks.

Experts stress that the legislation must be paired with coordinated efforts from financial regulators and telecom authorities to block illegal websites and monitor suspicious transactions effectively.

Following its introduction, the Home Minister proposed sending the bill to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, with instructions to submit its scrutiny report within five days.