Bangladesh proposed new law with stricter rules and penalties over gambling activity both online and offline. The National Assembly unanimously adopted a new law on the prevention of gambling.
With new ruling, anyoune found guilty of gambling in Bangladesh will face up over two years in prison or a maximum fine of 200,000 Taka. If the crime will be more illegal, they can be fined with both. For online gambling offense person can be imprisoned for up to five years or pay a fine of up to 10 million Taka. If anyone commits any crime related to online betting, the maximum penalty will be seven years in prison or a fine of 50 million taka.
The law also empowers the government to investigate all illegal gambling operations; however, the opposition expressed concern regarding the lack of oversight on the police, specifically their ability to search premises and block websites without prior approval from the courts.
The new regulations outline 24 different types of activities associated with gambling, such as online betting, bookmaking, match-fixing, digital gambling platforms and cryptocurrency wallets for gambling.
The Parliament also passed an amendment to the Cyber Security Act that removes any gambling-related provisions now that the standalone Gambling Act has been enacted.
The government states that these changes are to stop the rapidly increasing number of people using the internet, VPNs, digital payments and fake accounts to commingle illegal gambling activities and laundering money.