Gambling in Bangladesh Surges Despite Crackdown on Online Betting

The iGaming market in Bangladesh continues to grow rapidly, despite government efforts to tighten control over online gambling and betting. According to a report by World Gambling List, the Asian online betting market has already surpassed $12 billion, placing Bangladesh among the fastest-growing iGaming markets alongside India and the Philippines.

The surge in online gambling in Bangladesh is driven by widespread smartphone adoption, the expansion of mobile financial services (MFS), and aggressive digital marketing strategies by international operators. While authorities have tried to block advertisements and illegal platforms, the presence of offshore operators remains a key challenge for effective regulation.

To curb this growth, the government has strengthened iGaming regulations through the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025, imposing stricter penalties against the promotion and facilitation of online betting platforms.