TLDR Bangladesh is drafting a new law to replace the outdated Gambling Act of 1867 Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the draft is in its final stage and will go before parliament next session The new law targets online gambling, digital betting, and cyber-based betting activities Officials say online gambling poses a serious challenge to youth, the economy, and national security The announcement was made at a meeting with the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum in Dhaka Bangladesh Plans to Overhaul Century-Old Gambling Legislation
Bangladesh is preparing to scrap its 159-year-old gambling law and replace it with modern legislation designed to address online betting and digital gambling. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed the draft law is nearly complete.
Ahmed made the announcement on Sunday during a meeting with members of the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum at the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka. He said the new law will be placed before parliament in its next session for approval.
The current law governing gambling in Bangladesh is the Gambling Act of 1867. It was written during the British colonial era and does not account for internet-based gambling or digital betting platforms.
Online Gambling Identified as Growing Threat
According to Ahmed, online gambling has become a serious problem for the country’s young population. He also said it threatens the national economy and security.
The minister stressed the need for updated legislation that reflects modern technology. He described the existing law as obsolete and unable to deal with current challenges.
The draft law is specifically designed to prevent gambling, betting, and online gambling activities. It aims to give authorities new tools to combat cyber-based betting operations.
Bangladesh has seen a rise in online gambling activity in recent years. The government views the new law as a necessary step to address this trend.