Bangladesh intensifies fight against online gambling: criminal liability and mass blocking of accounts

Bangladeshi authorities have launched one of the largest phases of the fight against illegal online gambling. After entry into force Cybersecurity Law 2026 year participation in gambling via the Internet has become a criminal offense, and financial regulators have already begun mass blocking of accounts, associated with such operations.

Additionally, the government is preparing a new relevant law, which for the first time regulates in detail the activities online casino, betting platforms and digital payments.

Online gambling has officially become a criminal offense

New norms have come into effect 10 April 2026 year after the Cybersecurity Law came into force.

Later Minister of Finance Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, speaking in parliament, publicly confirmed for the first time, that the document applies to a wide range of participants in the online gambling market.

Not only website and application owners may be subject to criminal liability, but also the players, advertisers, as well as faces, who help organize or promote gambling.

The maximum penalty is up to two years in prison, fine to 90,9 thousands of US dollars or both types of punishment at the same time.

Frozen for about 55 thousand accounts

At the same time, the authorities began active work through the financial system.

According to the government, subdivision Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) It's already frozen for about 55 thousands of mobile financial service accounts, which, according to investigators, used for operations, related to online gambling and transfers of funds bypassing the banking system.

Back in May, the BFIU handed over the investigation materials to Criminal Investigation Department (CID), after which a criminal case was initiated.

Investigation continues, and financial intelligence prepares new reports on suspicious transactions.

Banks and fintech received new responsibilities

Control over financial flows began to increase even earlier.

Back in May 2025 year Bangladesh Bank obliges operators of mobile financial services to monitor clients and trading platforms for possible connections with gambling.

Now the banks, payment services and fintech companies are required to strengthen internal monitoring, identify suspicious transactions and transfer information to government authorities.

Blocking payment channels is now considered by the authorities as the most effective way to combat offshore gambling platforms.

The new law will replace a 19th-century document

In parallel, the Cabinet of Ministers has already approved the project Gambling Prevention Act 2026, which should replace the current one Public Gambling Act 1867 year.

New document introduces legal definitions for online gambling for the first time, digital wallets, bookmaker platforms and other modern tools, which did not exist when the law was passed in the 19th century.

The bill is currently at the legislative stage and has not yet entered into force.

Why are the authorities relying on blocking payments?

Bangladesh is one of the countries with high usage of mobile payment services. It is these accounts that often become the main way to replenish the balance on offshore gambling platforms.

Therefore, the authorities are relying not only on criminal prosecution, but also to limit the financial infrastructure. If you block replenishment channels, using illegal services becomes much more difficult.

Other countries are using a similar strategy today., gradually shifting the emphasis from blocking websites to controlling cash flows.