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An initiative has been taken in the national parliament to enact a new law to prevent the spread of online gambling, digital betting platforms, match-fixing, and spot-fixing in the country. To this end, the ‘Gambling Prevention Bill-2026’ has been introduced in parliament, repealing ‘The Public Gambling Act’ of 1867.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed introduced the bill in the National Parliament on Tuesday (June 23). The bill was later sent to the Parliamentary Standing Committee related to the Ministry of Law for scrutiny and to submit a report within five working days.
The proposed law defines a total of 24 types of activities, including gambling, online gambling, betting, match-fixing, and spot-fixing. It also outlines 14 types of penalties for these offenses.
The bill states that any person directly or indirectly involved in gambling can be punished with a maximum of two years imprisonment, a fine of up to two lakh Taka, or both.
For individuals involved in online gambling or remote gambling, provisions have been made for a maximum of five years imprisonment, a fine of up to one crore Taka, or both.
Furthermore, those involved in online betting will face a maximum of seven years imprisonment, a fine of up to five crore Taka, or both.
Strict penalties have also been proposed for offenses like match-fixing and spot-fixing in sports. Those found guilty of such offenses can be sentenced to a maximum of seven years imprisonment, a fine of up to one crore Taka, or both.
According to the government, this bill has been introduced due to the necessity of enacting a modern and timely law to curb the rapid spread of technology-dependent gambling and betting activities and to prevent irregularities in sports.
