Reining in online gambling

The reported government's move to crack down on online gambling deserves unreserved commendation. For too long, this digital menace has flourished unchecked, feeding on people's vulnerabilities and taking advantage of technological loopholes. The decision, taken at a high-level meeting at the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) this week, is viewed as long-overdue recognition of the scale and seriousness of the problem. Yet, welcome as the initiative is, the challenges it presents call for a far more coordinated and sustained approach than what sporadic drives or blocking of accounts alone can achieve.

The meeting-attended by representatives from BTRC, law enforcement agencies, financial regulators, mobile operators, and mobile financial service (MFS) providers-highlighted the alarming spread of online gambling across all sections of society. What began as a fringe indulgence has now grown into a tech-driven addiction, causing financial ruin and emotional distress to countless individuals and families. Reports suggest that the authorities have already closed around 5,000 MFS accounts linked to gambling transactions. Blocking identified accounts is certainly a good starting point, but it cannot be the endgame. The digital nature of these platforms allows them to re-emerge swiftly under new domains or identities. Hence, the government's plan to create a shared database-allowing cross-agency data exchange and surveillance-is a prudent step towards building a more comprehensive monitoring framework. Equally important is the proposed guideline for media outlets on configuring web browsers and AdSense to restrict gambling-related content, now under review at the Information Ministry. A separate digital advertising policy, once approved, could help reduce the promotional reach of these illicit platforms.

Online gambling is not merely a legal or financial issue-it is a profound social and psychological threat. Medical professionals warn that it can lead to compulsive behaviour akin to substance addiction. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) recognises gambling addiction as a psychiatric disorder when it becomes pathological. The constant availability, anonymity, and instant gratification offered by smartphones and computers amplify the risks compared to traditional gambling. For many, this addiction leads to spiralling debts, broken families and even mental breakdowns. Moreover, the moral dimension cannot be ignored. Gambling corrodes the ethic of honest labour and thrift, peddling the illusion of easy wealth without effort. Its aggressive online advertising and gamified interfaces are particularly dangerous for the youth, who are lured into a cycle of risk-taking and instant reward before they are emotionally or financially mature enough to handle the consequences.

The government's move to curb this growing vice must therefore translate into an enduring, multi-agency strategy-combining technological vigilance, financial regulation, legal enforcement and public awareness. The battle against online gambling is not just about policing digital platforms; it is about protecting families, preserving social stability and reaffirming a moral order. Now that the authorities have finally taken a firm stand, one can only hope that this resolve will endure and evolve into a robust, coordinated mechanism capable of reining in the peril once and for all.