Ishtiaq Mahmud
In the quiet corners of Bangladesh's bustling streets and rural villages, a storm is brewing-one that threatens to destabilize the very fabric of society. This is not a political scandal or a natural disaster, but a silent epidemic that's quietly sweeping across the nation: online gambling.
Recent reports have painted a grim picture of the scale of the problem. An astonishing 5 million Bangladeshis-predominantly youth-are reportedly involved in online betting, a staggering figure that underscores how deeply this crisis has taken root. For many, it begins innocuously enough: a simple app download or a casual online bet. But as the hours tick by and the stakes climb, what starts as a harmless pastime quickly morphs into an all-consuming obsession.
Online gambling has flourished in Bangladesh, fueled by the widespread use of smartphones and affordable internet. From the busy streets of Dhaka to the rural villages of Khulna, the promise of "easy money" is a siren song that resonates with many. "I thought I was just playing a game," recalls 19-year-old Tuhin from a rural village in Khulna. "Then I saw ads offering bonuses, rewards, and the promise of instant cash." Within weeks, Tuhin's initial curiosity spiraled into a destructive addiction, and his savings were gone. "I've lost almost everything," he says, shaking his head. "It feels like I'm stuck in a trap."
What makes online gambling so insidious is its accessibility. Unlike traditional casinos, which require physical presence, these digital platforms are available 24/7. With just a smartphone and a few taps, anyone-anytime, anywhere-can place bets, gamble on sports, or even try their luck at online casinos. This convenience makes it especially alluring for young people like Tuhin, who are vulnerable to the promise of easy financial gains. The constant bombardment of ads on social media platforms, YouTube, and sports broadcasts only serves to fuel this dangerous habit.
A recent report by Dismislab further underscores the scope of the problem. The study tracked popular mobile games like Ludo King, Football League 2024, and 8 Ball Pool, finding that nearly one in every eleven ads was related to gambling. What's even more concerning is how these ads are often disguised as harmless entertainment, cleverly redirecting users to betting sites once clicked. The use of celebrity endorsements-many of which are deepfaked or misappropriated-adds a layer of legitimacy to these ads, making them even harder to resist. "I saw ads with popular Bangladeshi celebrities endorsing gambling apps," says Nahian, a student from Chittagong. "It made me think it was normal, safe even." For many young people, this deceptive marketing turns a harmful activity into something seemingly acceptable.
It's not just the youth who are being ensnared in the web of online gambling. The elderly, especially those in rural areas, are equally vulnerable. For many, gambling is an attempt to supplement their meager pensions or savings. "I just wanted to earn a little extra," says 62-year-old Nadir, who lost all his savings to an online gambling scam. "I thought I'd be lucky this time. Now, I have nothing left."
Despite the government's attempts to curb the problem-such as blocking nearly 15,000 gambling sites and suspending mobile financial accounts linked to online betting-the issue remains deeply entrenched. New gambling platforms spring up faster than authorities can block them, and even court orders to halt online ads have had limited success. Bangladesh's gambling laws, based on the 1867 Public Gambling Act, are woefully outdated.
The social and economic consequences of online gambling are profound. Experts estimate that over Tk 10 billion is lost annually to these platforms, with the majority of the funds coming from the most vulnerable: those seeking a way out of poverty or a quick financial fix. In addition to the financial toll, the psychological impact of gambling addiction is devastating. Reports of rising stress, anxiety, and depression among addicts are on the rise, with many families torn apart as gamblers lose their savings, homes, and self-control.
So, what needs to be done to combat this growing menace? Experts argue that Bangladesh needs a more comprehensive and coordinated approach. The government must urgently update the existing laws to reflect the realities of digital gambling. A modern Gambling Prevention Act is essential-one that can hold online operators accountable, impose stricter penalties, and close regulatory loopholes.
Bangladesh's fight against online gambling is far from over. If the current trajectory continues, the younger generation-and their families-will continue to fall prey to this ever-growing menace, with devastating consequences for both society and the economy.
In today's digital age, the stakes have never been higher. Bangladesh cannot afford to ignore this silent crisis any longer.
The time to act is now.
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