Parliament passes bill imposing seven-year jail term, Tk 50mn fine for online betting

The bill introduces penalties for cryptocurrency-based gambling and VPN-facilitated operations

Parliament has passed the Gambling Prevention Bill, 2026, introducing tough penalties for online betting and a wide range of gambling offences.

The law also targets match-fixing, cryptocurrency-based gambling and operations run through virtual private networks (VPNs) and mirror sites.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed moved the bill during Tuesday's parliamentary session.

Following Opposition members' calls for public consultation, referral to a selection committee, and voice voting on proposed amendments, the bill was passed.

The new legislation repeals the existing Public Gambling Act, 1867.

The bill's objectives cite Article 18(2) of the Constitution, which commits the state to taking effective measures against gambling.

Under the bill, persons convicted of conventional gambling face a maximum two-year jail sentence or Tk 2 million fine, or both.

For online or remote gambling offences, the maximum punishment is five years' imprisonment or Tk 10 million fine, or both.

Online betting offences carry the heaviest penalties -- up to seven years' imprisonment or Tk 50 million in fines, or both.