Bangladesh has renewed its fight against online gaming after the adoption of a new law. The initiative is part of a broader crackdown on online gambling platforms following the recently passed Cyber Security Ordinance 2025.

Under the new legislation, organizing or promoting online gambling can result in up to two years of imprisonment or a fine of approximately $80,000 USD.

Most forms of gambling remain illegal in Bangladesh under the Public Gambling Act of 1867, while online gaming operates in a legal grey area, lacking local regulation.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Bangladesh has stated that the renewed focus on gambling is driven by concerns over its social and financial impact, particularly on younger generations. Platforms under scrutiny include mobile apps, websites, and social media channels.

According to reports, since the law was enacted, authorities have identified over 1,000 financial service agents suspected of being involved in illegal gambling transactions. This information has been forwarded to Bangladesh Bank with recommendations to revoke their professional licenses and impose financial penalties.

Bangladesh Bank has also issued a directive to banks and financial institutions across the country, instructing them to use artificial intelligence to monitor and detect merchants or customers engaged in online gaming activities.

India shares similar concerns about the black market, following a report by the All India Gaming Federation outlining the high level of player engagement in the sector. The report revealed that unlicensed betting platforms received 1.6 billion visits in three months, underscoring the ineffectiveness of website blocking in controlling the industry.

Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to grow due to the 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST) imposed on the regulated gaming industry in India, which has forced many operators to exit the market. One of the most notable exits was Superbet, which stated that the country’s tax policy has made the Indian market economically unviable.

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