The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Bangladesh has launched the first large-scale law enforcement operation nationwide against online gambling and betting platforms, following the newly implemented "2025 Cybersecurity Regulations". This operation focuses on addressing the rapid spread of digital gambling platforms and the social issues they bring, especially among the youth.
CID pointed out that illegal online gambling poses severe harm to society and the economy, including addiction, family breakdowns, and frequent occurrences of suicides. Investigations revealed that over 1000 mobile financial service (MFS) agents are suspected of participating in the illegal transfer of gambling funds, and their names have been submitted to the Bank of Bangladesh with recommendations to revoke their operating licenses and impose fines.
According to the new regulations, any operation or promotion of online gambling could face up to two years in prison and fines up to ten million taka (approximately 81,845 USD), or both. Online gambling often masquerades as gaming or entertainment platforms through apps, websites, and social media channels, deceiving users.
Articles 20 to 22 of the "Cybersecurity Regulations" explicitly categorize the operation of gambling platforms, related transaction fraud, and manipulation as criminal offenses. CID urges the public to stay away from online gambling, enhance awareness, particularly among teenagers, and encourages reporting any suspicious gambling activities through official channels to support the police in their ongoing crackdown.
