Which laws apply to online betting
Three layers of law matter for anyone in Bangladesh thinking about betting online.
| Law | What it says |
|---|---|
| Constitution, Article 18(2) | The state must take effective measures to prevent gambling |
| Public Gambling Act, 1867 | Bans keeping or visiting a common gaming house; it was written long before the internet |
| Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025, section 20 | Makes online gambling a criminal offence: up to two years in prison, a fine of up to Tk 1 crore, or both |
The 2025 ordinance closed the gap left by the old law. It covers creating or running an online gambling platform, taking part in online gambling, and helping or promoting it, including through advertising. The government has said the penalties apply to anyone who participates, assists, encourages or promotes online gambling, not only to the operators.
A licence from Curaçao, Malta or any other country does not change this. What counts is the law of the country where the player is.
Who can be punished
- Operators and their local partners who accept bets from people in Bangladesh.
- Players who place bets or play casino games online for money.
- Promoters: influencers, page and channel owners, websites and agents who advertise betting or help people deposit.
- People who help with payments, for example by collecting deposits through mobile wallets for a betting site.
In practice, enforcement so far has focused on agents, advertisers and people moving money, and on blocking sites. That does not make playing safe: the offence for participants is written into the law, and a court can apply it.
Why betting sites are blocked
The telecom regulator instructs internet providers to block gambling websites and apps. That is why betting sites stop opening on home internet or mobile data, and why their owners keep launching new "mirror" addresses. A working mirror is not a sign that a site became legal: it only means the block has not reached that address yet.
Blocks also explain why so many fake mirrors and fake apps circulate. When people cannot find the real address, scammers fill the gap. Our guide on fake apps and mirrors shows how to recognise them.
Practical risks for players
| Risk | What it means |
|---|---|
| Criminal liability | Taking part in online gambling is an offence under section 20 |
| Frozen or lost money | Wallet transfers to agents can be blocked, reversed or simply disappear |
| No protection | An offshore site owes you nothing under Bangladeshi law if it closes your account or refuses a withdrawal |
| Data exposure | NID scans and selfies sent for verification end up with an unregulated foreign company |
| Addiction | Fast games such as Aviator are built for long sessions and repeated deposits |
How neighbouring countries compare
Bangladesh is not alone. India banned all online money games and their advertising under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, in force since May 2026; details are in our guide for India. Pakistan has opened cases against bloggers who promoted betting apps and declared dozens of apps illegal. Across most of South Asia, betting online with offshore sites is either prohibited or not allowed for local players.
Laws change, and this page reflects the situation on November 6, 2026. For a decision that affects your money or legal position, read the current text of the ordinance or ask a lawyer.
FAQ
Is online betting legal in Bangladesh?
No. Online gambling, including sports betting and online casinos, is a criminal offence under section 20 of the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025.
Can a player be punished, or only the betting company?
The ordinance covers anyone who takes part in, runs, helps or promotes online gambling. The maximum penalty is two years in prison, a fine of up to Tk 1 crore, or both.
Does a foreign licence make a betting site legal in Bangladesh?
No. A licence from another country only matters there. For a player in Bangladesh, Bangladeshi law applies.
Is it legal to promote betting sites in Bangladesh?
No. Advertising and promoting online gambling falls under the same offence, including paid posts, pages and channels.