Online betting involves betting money on games, sports, or events via internet platforms. In Bangladesh, although laws prohibit gambling, many international betting sites operate unhindered through mobile apps and websites, frequently using VPNs and digital payment methods to circumvent restrictions. Accessibility has been made easier, especially for young people, thanks to the rise of smartphones, affordable internet, and online banking. As a result, online betting is experiencing rapid growth, raising concerns about its uncontrolled expansion and impact on Bangladeshi society, especially among young people.

According to the Public Gaming Act of 1867, online betting is illegal in Bangladesh and this law outlaws most forms of gambling. Also, this law was enacted before the emergence of the internet and does not specifically address online platforms, thus creating an area of legal uncertainty. This ambiguity allows international betting sites to operate unhindered, often beyond the reach of local authorities. Although authorities attempt to enforce laws such as the Digital Security Act, enforcement is uneven, and penalties remain weak. This regulatory vacuum hinders effective action against online gambling, raising concerns about its impact on young people and society.

Bangladeshi youths’ access to online betting is facilitated by the widespread use of smartphones, affordable internet, and mobile banking services such as bKash and Nagad.  With just a few clicks, users can access international betting sites and make unsupervised deposits or withdrawals. Social media advertising and peer influence are increasingly attracting younger users. The seamless integration of technology into everyday life has made gambling both convenient and appealing, leading to an increase in youth participation despite legal and ethical concerns.

In 2025, online gambling has become a major problem among the youth in Bangladesh, with approximately 5 million people participating in this type of activity. According to a study, 38% of young adults are addicted to online gambling, leading to several harmful consequences. The consequences include declining academic performance, strained social relationships, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The financial losses are also considerable, with many young people accumulating debt and resorting to unethical means to finance their gambling habits.

Online gambling fuels addictive behaviour among young people, fuelled by the excitement of quick wins and easy access. This encourages impulsive decision-making, often leading to poor financial choices and repeated risky bets. Over time, the addiction can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress, especially when losses mount. The ongoing obsession with gambling can impair sleep, concentration, and social interaction. Many young people, unaware of the long-term psychological consequences including isolation, declining academic performance, and suicidal thoughts, endure it silently. 

Online gambling frequently causes severe tensions within families, with young addicts resorting to deception, lies, and manipulation to hide their habits. Financial losses lead to borrowing or stealing from parents, generating mistrust and conflict. Families experience emotional distress, particularly as their savings exhaust or debts accumulate. The lingering tension affects relationships, leading to isolation, and arguments. In conservative societies like Bangladesh, where family unity is highly valued, this hidden crisis has particularly damaging consequences.     

In Bangladesh, online gambling is associated with serious criminal activities, such as money laundering, cybercrime, and organised crime networks. Illegal platforms frequently use mobile banking and cryptocurrencies to transfer large sums undetected, making them ideal channels for money laundering. Some young people get involved in this racket as agents, unaware that they are aiding in criminal activities. Authorities have also reported links between gambling and drug trafficking, fraud, and identity theft, highlighting the broader criminal ecosystem that thrives behind online gambling platforms.    

To tackle the scourge of online gambling, policymakers must revise existing laws to specifically regulate digital gambling and impose strict penalties. It is essential that educators educate students in schools and universities about the dangers of gambling. It is also essential for parents to monitor their children's online activities and encourage open communication. Religious leaders can play a key role in promoting ethical values and discouraging gambling from a moral and spiritual perspective. A collective, community-based approach is essential to protecting young people from this threat.

Online gambling is more than just a digital distraction. The lack of up-to-date laws and regulatory interventions have exacerbated the crisis. To protect future generations, a collective approach is   essential. Protecting young people from this menace is crucial to ensuring a healthy and ethical society for all.