Cabinet approves draft of new anti-gambling law

The government has moved to tighten its stance against gambling and betting activities by granting in-principle approval to the draft Gambling Prevention Act, 2026, aimed at addressing the rapid expansion of both online and offline gambling platforms.

The approval came at the 10th meeting of the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Tarque Rahman at the National Parliament on Thursday (June 18).

The draft law was presented by the Ministry of Home Affairs and received unanimous approval from the Cabinet.

According to the proposed legislation, the growing use of advanced technology has significantly expanded gambling operations through digital platforms, prompting the need for a modern legal framework to protect public order and reduce crime, as well as social, economic and psychological harm.

The new law seeks to replace and modernize the colonial-era Public Gambling Act of 1867, bringing it in line with contemporary realities and technological developments.

One of the key features of the draft is the introduction of clear legal definitions for a wide range of gambling-related activities and tools, including gambling houses, gambling equipment, digital assets, digital gambling platforms, digital wallets, online and remote gambling, betting, bookmakers, totalizators, and match-fixing or spot-fixing.

The proposed legislation also outlines a range of penalties based on the nature and severity of offenses, including fines, imprisonment, or both.

Following the Cabinet’s approval, the draft will undergo legal vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division before receiving final approval and being placed before Parliament.