: PR Reports :
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed dismay at the increased promotion of online gambling across traditional broadcast and social media platforms, as well as the associated issues of money laundering and the negative impacts of widespread gambling. Despite clear directives from the apex court, there appears to be a lack of visible measures to curb this trend. Instead, gambling is being advertised under new guises on satellite channels and social media platforms. To safeguard a significant portion of the population, particularly the youth, from falling prey to online gambling addiction, TIB has urged for the immediate restriction of gambling-related advertisements, enforcement of the Gambling Prevention Act, and proactive measures by relevant law enforcement agencies.
Despite all forms of gambling being illegal under the country’s laws, it is being promoted using various strategies. Flashy advertisements for different betting sites are disguised or presented in “surrogated” formats in traditional media during broadcasts of popular sporting events like IPL, BPL, or others. This year, a surrogated advertisement for a betting site was even observed on a BPL team jersey. TIB Executive Director (ED) Dr. Iftekharuzzaman expressed grave concerns, stating, “We are witnessing a surge in online gambling in the country. Exploiting legal loopholes for profit cannot be deemed responsible broadcasting. Even city billboards are promoting online gambling. Despite last year’s High Court orders to block online gambling advertisements, different social media platforms and television, particularly sports channels, continue to actively promote betting and gambling, which is wholly unacceptable.”
TIB highlights the significant concern of massive money laundering facilitated through online gambling. Media reports and the Criminal Investigation Department reveal that millions, especially youth, are addicted to online gambling across the country, even in rural areas. Funds are laundered using mobile financial services (MFS), e-Banking, credit cards, and cryptocurrencies. While most online gambling sites are based in Russia, Malaysia, and Indonesia, local agents in Bangladesh facilitate transactions through mobile banking, leading to millions laundered abroad. Despite this, there are no visible strategic plans or actions against such activities by the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) or other relevant agencies. Moreover, a substantial illegal and unethical gambling promotion business thrives under the noses of regulatory bodies.
The TIB ED emphasized that online gambling is fueling various social crises, stating, “We frequently hear reports of gambling addiction leading to suicides and domestic conflicts. Recently, a 35-year-old man from Thakurgaon committed suicide after losing approximately 15 to 20 lakhs BDT in online gambling. Beyond the personal tragedies of addiction, depression, and financial ruin, many individuals are illegally amassing substantial wealth through these activities. Gambling addiction is eroding the moral fabric of our youth, posing threats to families, society, and the state.”
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman underscored the necessity of a multi-dimensional approach to combat online gambling, stating, “According to section 18(2) of the constitution and conventional laws, it is mandatory for the government to prevent all forms of gambling. However, the country still relies on a 157-year-old law to regulate gambling. Despite initial steps to enact the Gambling Prevention Act, 2023, it remains in the draft stage. The urgency for a stringent and contemporary gambling prevention law has long been apparent given the current landscape. While section 6 of the draft Act addresses overseas and online gambling, and section 7 tackles betting, it overlooks the prevalent surrogate advertising methods and the nexus between money laundering and online gambling. Additionally, although section 4.5.3 (Gha) of the National Broadcast Policy prohibits advertisements related to gambling or betting, it lacks directives on surrogated advertising. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies have not taken proactive measures against online gambling. Halting the advertising of gambling and ensuring proactive law enforcement are crucial to curbing its proliferation in online spaces.”
Under such circumstances, TIB has strongly urged for the prompt enactment and enforcement of the draft Gambling Prevention Act and advocated for thorough review of the draft in consultation with the ICT Division, BFIU, Information and Broadcast Ministry, human rights organizations, and other stakeholders. Additionally, TIB has demanded a definitive prohibition on gambling-related advertisements and urged law enforcement agencies to conduct regular monitoring and take effective measures against online gambling.
