Bangladesh faces a growing online gambling crisis despite a legal ban. Economic hardship and digital access are driving millions to bet, with rising mental health concerns.
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| Online gambling is rapidly expanding in Bangladesh, leading to addiction, mental health issues, and economic consequences. Despite legal restrictions, millions engage daily. Image: Collected |
DHAKA, BANGLADESH — May 3, 2025:
A rapidly expanding gambling culture in Bangladesh is causing concern as millions of people—from students to working-class individuals—are increasingly drawn to online and informal betting platforms. Despite being outlawed under the Public Gambling Act of 1867, gambling has flourished, taking advantage of digital accessibility and gaps in law enforcement.
Reports indicate that online gambling transactions in Bangladesh range between Tk 3 crore and Tk 5 crore daily through banking channels alone. This does not account for mobile wallet payments or cash transactions, suggesting that the actual amount could be even higher.
A study by Glory Casino Bangladesh forecasts that the country's online gambling market will reach USD 62 million by 2024, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 4.7% between 2020 and 2026.
The rise of gambling is closely tied to Bangladesh's economic struggles. High unemployment rates and limited job opportunities, combined with the appeal of quick wealth, have created the perfect storm for betting to thrive. Smartphones and affordable internet make gambling platforms more accessible, even to teenagers.
For many, gambling has become a shortcut to success. "I don’t want to work for 10,000 taka a month when I can earn that in one night if I’m lucky," said Naim, a 22-year-old university dropout from Narayanganj.
Others, like Rafiq, a 38-year-old auto-rickshaw driver from Dhaka, have turned to betting to supplement their income. "My income isn’t enough to support my family, so I started placing small bets with friends. Sometimes I win, most times I lose. But I keep hoping," he explained.
Experts are sounding the alarm about a growing gambling addiction, particularly among young people. Dr. Samira Hossain, a clinical psychologist based in Dhaka, warned that betting creates an illusion of control but often leads to addiction, financial ruin, and broken families.
Worryingly, underage individuals are becoming increasingly involved in gambling. A 16-year-old school student, who asked to remain anonymous, shared, "Everyone in my class knows about betting apps. We talk about odds more than our lessons. It’s addictive, but it feels exciting."
Despite the legal ban, illegal online platforms continue to flourish, operating on international servers and using social media for aggressive marketing. Law enforcement agencies admit that regulating these platforms is becoming increasingly difficult.
The government has taken steps to block over 2,600 gambling websites and restrict access to mobile apps associated with gambling. However, these efforts have had limited success in curbing the growth of the industry.
Beyond social issues, illegal gambling is posing significant economic risks. Authorities have discovered that a large portion of the funds generated by online gambling is being funneled abroad through unregulated payment systems, such as cryptocurrency. This capital flight is weakening Bangladesh's foreign currency reserves and destabilizing the economy.
Gambling is also draining household savings, particularly in low- and middle-income families. This reduces expenditure on essentials and curtails long-term investments, exacerbating the financial difficulties of many households.
In addition, scams, fraud, and money laundering associated with gambling are contributing to an increase in crime. People are borrowing or even stealing money to place bets, leading to a rise in social unrest.
Social experts and citizens are calling for a comprehensive, national-level intervention to address the gambling crisis. Farzana Alam, an NGO worker, emphasized, "This isn’t just a legal issue—it’s a social one. We need to offer real opportunities to young people, or they’ll keep chasing fantasies online."
There are growing demands for the government to intensify efforts to crack down on illegal gambling platforms, regulate mobile financial services, and launch public awareness campaigns to educate the youth on the risks associated with gambling.
As the lines between entertainment and desperation blur, Bangladesh faces a critical challenge. A generation is gambling on hope, while the nation risks gambling away its future.