A new law has been initiated in the National Parliament 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 then sent to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Law to be scrutinized and reported on 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 sentenced to a maximum of two years imprisonment, a fine of up to BDT two lakh, or both.
For individuals involved in online or remote gambling, the provisions include a maximum of five years imprisonment, a fine of up to BDT one crore, or both.
Furthermore, those involved in online betting will face a maximum of seven years imprisonment, a fine of up to BDT five crore, or both.
Stricter 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 BDT one crore, or both.
According to the government, this bill has been introduced due to the necessity of enacting modern and timely laws to curb the rapid spread of technology-dependent gambling and betting activities and to prevent irregularities in sports.
