Online bingo in Bangladesh is strictly prohibited under multiple legal frameworks, with the Constitution of Bangladesh containing a clear mandate requiring the State to prevent gambling activities (1). Article 18 under the Fundamental Principles of State Policy confers upon the State a responsibility to "adopt effective measures to prevent prostitution and gambling" (1). The primary legislation regulating gambling is the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which prohibits owning or keeping a common gaming-house, with Section 3 penalizing such activities with fines up to two hundred taka or imprisonment up to three months (1).
The Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 strengthened enforcement against online gambling platforms, establishing criminal penalties for digital gambling operations (2). Section 20 of the ordinance stipulates up to two years' imprisonment, a fine of up to one crore taka, or both for creating, operating, or promoting an online gambling platform, while Sections 21 and 22 prohibit gambling transactions and manipulation (2). Bangladesh Bank has directed all financial institutions to strengthen monitoring using Artificial Intelligence technology to detect suspicious gambling transactions and report cases to law enforcement agencies immediately (2).
"The Constitution of Bangladesh contains a clear mandate on the part of the State to prevent gambling. Article 18 under the Fundamental Principles of State Policy confers upon the State a responsibility to 'adopt effective measures to prevent prostitution and gambling'."
Authorities have intensified crackdowns on online gambling, with the Criminal Investigation Department identifying over 5,000 mobile financial service accounts linked to gambling activities and more than 1,000 agents flagged for license cancellations (2). Since May 2025, authorities have shut down 4,820 mobile financial service accounts and 1,331 gambling platforms (2). Online bingo remains illegal alongside all forms of digital gambling, with the government implementing a zero-tolerance policy using technology controls, financial surveillance, and coordinated enforcement to combat illegal operations and protect citizens from gambling-related harms (2).
Source:
https://www.thedailystar.net/law-our-rights/law-watch/news/what-do-our-laws-say-about-gambling-1804531
https://igamingexpress.com/bangladesh-steps-up-crackdown-on-online-gambling/
Last updated: 30-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
