The government is going to introduce strict measures against online gambling under the new Cyber Protection Ordinance-2024, including imprisonment of up to two years for violators.

Under the proposed ordinance approved by the cabinet, any individual involved in creating, operating, or using portals, apps or devices for gambling in cyberspace will be considered to have committed an offense.

Participation in gambling activities, providing assistance, encouragement, or engaging in advertising to promote such activities, will also be treated as criminal conduct.

The people who violate the rule will face penalties including up to two years in prison, and fines of up to Tk 20 lakh.

These measures will curb the growing menace of online gambling and safeguard the digital environment from exploitative practices, said Fahim Mashroor, former president of the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services, to The Daily Star.