Bangladesh Enacts Tough New Gambling Prevention Law

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-07-05

Bangladesh just made a huge move to clamp down on gambling. The Parliament unanimously passed the Gambling Prevention Bill, 2026, which completely overhauls the country's old rules. This new law replaces the outdated Public Gambling Act of 1867, bringing in a modern framework that targets both traditional and digital betting. It's a big deal because it covers everything from online casinos and sports wagering to match-fixing. The government is clearly worried about how easy it is to gamble online these days, especially with digital wallets and VPNs making it hard to track. ### What the New Law Covers The bill is designed to tackle the rise of digital gambling. Here's what it specifically targets: - Online betting platforms and casinos - Sports wagering and match-fixing - Use of digital wallets for gambling transactions - VPNs, proxy servers, and mirror websites that bypass blocks Basically, if you're trying to gamble online from Bangladesh, the law now has a much wider net. It's not just about physical casinos anymore. The government wants to stop people from using tech to get around the rules. ### Why This Matters for Professionals For anyone working in the gambling industry or following international regulations, this is a key shift. Bangladesh is moving from a colonial-era law to something that actually fits the 21st century. The old law just couldn't keep up with how fast online betting grew. Professionals in the United States who track global gambling trends should pay attention. This shows how countries are adapting to digital challenges. It's not just Bangladesh either. Many nations are updating their laws to deal with online betting, VPNs, and other tech that makes enforcement tricky. ### The Impact on Online Betting The new bill specifically calls out digital wallets and VPNs. That means if you're running an online betting site that accepts players from Bangladesh, you could face serious penalties. The law also targets proxy servers and mirror websites, which are common ways to keep gambling sites accessible after they've been blocked. It's a tough stance, but it reflects a growing trend worldwide. Governments are realizing that old laws don't work when anyone can open a betting account from their phone. ### What's Next for Bangladesh? Now that the bill is passed, enforcement will be the real test. Bangladesh will need to work with internet service providers and payment processors to actually stop gambling transactions. That's not easy, especially when people use cryptocurrencies or offshore accounts. Still, this law sends a clear message. Bangladesh is serious about curbing gambling, both offline and online. For professionals watching the global market, it's another example of how regulation is catching up to technology.