Dhaka, Bangladesh — On September 14, 2025, the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs in Bangladesh formally rejected the regulatory framework proposed to legalize and regulate online gambling. This decision follows intensified enforcement efforts, including fines reaching Tk 10 million against unauthorized operators and multiple arrests in Dhaka related to illegal gambling activities. Despite these actions, online gambling continues to challenge the country’s digital economy integrity.
Justice Minister Anisul Haque conveyed strong opposition to the proposal, emphasizing, “We cannot sanction a framework that potentially jeopardizes social stability and exposes vulnerable communities to harm. Maintaining prohibition is essential for national welfare.” These remarks underscore the government’s resolute position against expanding gambling activities within the current legal and social environment.
The rejection is consistent with the Bangladesh Gambling Act, which criminalizes unlicensed gambling and enforces strict penalties. Additionally, the Anti-Money Laundering Act strengthens efforts to combat illicit financial flows often linked to gambling proceeds. The proposed legalization failed to sufficiently address these legal frameworks or offer robust regulatory safeguards, leading the ministry to uphold the existing prohibition-based system.
Economically, the Ministry’s stance preserves ongoing measures to control the informal gambling market, a sector threatening the financial system's integrity and consumer protection. However, it also forfeits potential benefits from legalization, such as increased government revenue, oversight, and taxation. The decision thus sustains a policy orientation favoring enforcement and deterrence rather than regulated market participation.
