Bangladesh Advances Gambling Prevention Act 2026

Bangladesh has taken a significant step toward modernizing its gambling laws after the Cabinet approved in principle the draft Gambling Prevention Act 2026, a proposal designed to address the growing presence of gambling activities across digital and online platforms.

The legislation is intended to replace the country’s existing gambling framework, which is currently governed by the Public Gambling Act of 1867. Authorities believe the century-old law no longer reflects the realities of modern gambling, particularly with the rise of online betting, digital transactions and technology-driven gaming activities.

Under the proposed framework, a wider range of gambling-related terms and activities will receive formal legal definitions. These include online gambling, remote gambling services, digital gambling platforms, digital wallets, bookmakers, betting activities, match-fixing and spot-fixing.

By expanding the scope of regulation, the government aims to create a legal foundation capable of addressing issues linked to internet-based gambling and sports betting-related offenses.

The draft legislation also seeks to bring digital financial tools and online transactions connected to gambling within the reach of the law. In addition to gambling activities themselves, the proposal targets conduct associated with the manipulation of sporting events through practices such as match-fixing and spot-fixing.

Violations under the proposed law could result in penalties that include fines and imprisonment, depending on the nature and severity of the offense. Specific sanctions will be determined through the legal process and final implementation of the legislation.

The Cabinet approved the proposal during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Following this initial approval, the draft will undergo further legal examination before advancing through the next stages of the legislative process.

The government views the reform as a necessary update to a legal framework that has remained largely unchanged for more than 150 years. Officials believe the new legislation will better reflect current gambling trends and provide authorities with stronger tools to address technology-driven gambling activities.

Although the bill still requires final legal review before progressing further, its approval in principle places gambling reform firmly on Bangladesh’s legislative agenda. If ultimately enacted, the Gambling Prevention Act 2026 would become the primary legal framework governing a broad spectrum of gambling-related activities throughout the country.