Bangladesh is preparing to replace its long-standing Gambling Act of 1867 with a new legal framework aimed at addressing gambling, betting and online wagering, according to Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed.

The government said the draft legislation is nearing completion and is expected to be presented during the next session of parliament. Officials described the move as part of a broader effort to respond to the rise of online gambling activity and its impact on society.

“The drafting process of the new law is in its final stage and the bill will be placed in the next session of parliament for passage,” Salahuddin said during an interaction with members of the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka, as reported by BSS News.

Bangladesh currently bans most forms of gambling under the Public Gambling Act of 1867, including land-based casino activity. Exceptions remain for certain horse racing wagers and government-approved lottery products. Authorities now want to replace the colonial-era legislation with a more modern structure that reflects the growth of digital gambling platforms and online betting services.

Government Points to Growth of Online Gambling

Salahuddin said online gambling has become a growing concern for the country, particularly among younger people.

He described the expansion of betting platforms as a “major threat” to Bangladesh’s youth, economy and social stability. According to the minister, the existing legal framework is no longer sufficient to deal with technology-driven gambling activity.

Officials said the new legislation is being designed specifically to target online gambling and betting operations, which have expanded rapidly despite existing restrictions.

Speaking at the BSRF event, Salahuddin argued that Bangladesh needs laws better suited to modern digital activity and communication systems. He said the government intends to create a technology-oriented legal framework capable of addressing current challenges linked to online wagering.

The minister did not provide specific details about the proposed law or explain what enforcement measures could be included once the legislation reaches parliament.

Existing Gambling Rules Date Back to 1867

Bangladesh’s current gambling legislation traces back to the Public Gambling Act of 1867, a law introduced during British colonial rule in the Indian subcontinent.

That law prohibits most traditional forms of gambling in the country. However, the growth of offshore betting websites, mobile access and online gaming platforms has complicated enforcement efforts in recent years.

Authorities have increasingly raised concerns about digital gambling activity, especially involving younger users who can access betting platforms through smartphones and online payment systems.

The government’s latest comments suggest officials believe the older law no longer reflects the realities of modern online gambling markets.

Salahuddin linked the proposed reforms directly to what he described as changing technological conditions and the wider impact of internet-based gambling services.

Media Freedom and Social Media Concerns Raised

During the same discussion, the home minister also commented on media freedom and the role of journalists in society.

Salahuddin said an independent press remains important for reform and social progress. At the same time, he argued that freedom of speech and press freedom require reasonable restrictions in order to protect state security and public order.

The minister also raised concerns about social media misuse, saying there had been attempts to damage the country’s image through what he described as artificial narratives.

He additionally warned about the erosion of traditional family and social values and called on media professionals to help increase public awareness around these issues.

The event was chaired by BSRF President Masudul Hoque. Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed attended the session, while General Secretary Ubaidullah Badal moderated the program. Journalists from print, online and electronic media were also present during the discussion.

The proposed gambling legislation now moves toward the parliamentary stage, where lawmakers are expected to review the draft during the next session.