Online casinos are becoming more popular around the world. It has reached a point where many jurisdictions around the world are amending existing or implementing new gambling laws that are defining the legality of such platforms. While some countries have relaxed gambling laws in a time where online casinos are easily accessible, others are restricting them to an extent or even fully. Where does Bangladesh fit into this?
This guide will discuss how Bangladeshi authorities fight illegal online casinos. We’ll also discuss the country’s legal status pertaining to online gambling as well. Let’s discuss what you need to know right now.
The Legality of Gambling in Bangladesh: What You Need To Know?
To begin, Bangladesh is a predominantly Muslim country. By definition, nations where Islam is the prominent religion have automatically deemed gambling of any kind illegal by virtue of Islamic law. However, there appears to be some complexities in regards to what’s legal and what isn’t. With this in mind, here are some facts to be aware of regarding gambling in Bangladesh:
- Land-based gambling: In Bangladesh, land-based gambling with the exception of horse racing is deemed illegal. At the same time, there is a national lottery that Bangladeshi players can take advantage of.
- Online gambling platforms: Online gambling like Pin Up casino are not considered illegal per se. Yet, they tend to operate within a legal grey area. This can be pointed to the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which was implemented while Bangladesh was under British authority. As such, the law doesn’t cover online platforms and questions are often asked whether or not this is the case.
- Licensing: Currently, the Bangladeshi government does not have a licensing or authoritative body that oversees and regulates online gambling. However, there is an opportunity for government officials to form one in the future (assuming there are plans to relax or implement gambling laws and restrictions). Nonetheless, casinos like Pin-Up global are licensed and follow legal laws and regulations to ensure that they are a legally operating platform.
- Protection for players: Continuing on with the topic regarding no regulatory body, Pin Up Bangladesh does not have player protections in place. Not to mention, there are no plans where the country may be standing in the way of foreign casino operators offering their services to Bangladeshi players. Pin-Up does their part to make sure that their players are protected whether it’s financial transaction information or anything tied to their identity.
While online casinos do operate in a gray area, there is the potential for illegal online casinos making their way onto the market and targeting Bangladeshi players. They take advantage not only of the lack of licensing and protections, but they also assume that gray area means “good to go”. The reality is that Bangladeshi authorities have the ability to shut down any online casinos that have been used for illegal activities.
Nevertheless, the penalties for gambling (mostly land-based) are lax. For example, fines of $5 (USD) and less than a year of jail time seems to be the punishment for breaking gambling laws. As such, Bangladesh appears to be more lax in handling illegal gambling compared to other nations that follow Islamic law.
Pin-Up Casino Bangladesh can be enjoyed by residents in the country. The operators pledge to create a safe and legal gaming platform. New players can register in a few minutes and receive their Pin Up login information.
How Authorities In Bangladesh Track Illegal Online Casinos?
Now that we have laid the groundwork pertaining to online casinos and their legality in Bangladesh, we will discuss how the government tracks illegal online casinos. While they might not have a large amount of resources compared to other countries around the world, Bangladeshi authorities use the necessary tools and resources to make sure they crack down on any online casinos partaking in any activity that is considered illegal such as money laundering and other financial infractions that are already deemed as such in Bangladesh.
How exactly do they combat illegal online casino operations? Here’s a look at what they use for technology along with cooperation from international entities:
- Digital monitoring systems: Today, many government agencies are more digitally reliant than ever. As such, Bangladeshi authorities do have technology and tools used to monitor internet traffic. They may also track online casinos that may be flagged for potential illegal activity by Bangladeshi users.
- Working with ISPs (local and international): Bangladeshi authorities and ISPs can work together to put together a strategy to combat illegal online casinos. They can determine which sites can be blocked from access to Bangladeshi citizens. By putting together a database of blacklisted platforms, it will also allow users to access legal casinos while disabling any access to platforms that have been flagged and confirmed illegal.
- Cooperating with international authorities and entities: While Bangladesh may not have advanced resources for combating illegal online casinos, they can enlist the help with numerous international entities such as the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), and other government agencies. Online casinos need to operate within international laws and must comply with them regardless of where they serve players. Cooperation from companies that provide payment services is also a plus considering that every payment method being used follows the necessary legal requirements to curb any financial related crimes – especially if they occur on online casino platforms.
Bangladeshi authorities can investigate whether or not online casinos are being used for illegal activity. One of the common activities that may occur in online casinos is money laundering. In Bangladesh, there is a solid legal framework that combats criminal activity including the Money Laundering Prevention Act, the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), and the Money Laundering Prevention Ordinance or MLPO 2008. The penalty for money laundering in Bangladesh is incarceration with a sentence ranging from three to seven years.
On top of this, the concern for scams may also arise as well. Online casinos must adhere to laws, regulations, and even rules set forth by regulatory bodies such as the UKGC. The UKGC may also have the authority to shut down online casinos that may be operating illegally as well as violating any regulations or rules such as fair play or paying withdrawals on time to users who request it.
What Are The Current Challenges For Gambling Laws and Combating Illegal Online Casinos?
While it is necessary for online casino platforms to operate legally, determining them from the platforms that do not follow laws and regulations will be difficult. There are challenges that currently exist in terms of enforcing gambling laws and tracking down illegal casinos. Here’s a look at the challenges that exist for the moment and why:
- Operation across borders: Online casinos are easily accessible anywhere around the world. Lenient gambling laws in certain jurisdictions can be favorable for legal platforms. However, illegal platforms will take advantage of this. Especially if there are certain types of lax laws or regulations. However, there may be international entities with regulations and laws that can compensate for the lack of enforcement in such jurisdictions. Especially when Bangladeshi officials may not have the legal frameworks to execute such legal action against illegal platforms.
- Anonymity from users: Today, we use numerous tools that could cover our true location such as VPNs. Such tools may be used for nefarious purposes including illegal gambling. At the same time, users may be hard to identify and penalize accordingly. It should be up to the online casino operators to forbid the use of VPNs as a way to curtail any potential illegal activity.
- The complexity of gambling laws: As mentioned, laws such as the Public Gambling Act of 1867 do not explicitly state if online casinos fall under the purview of such laws. This brings into question whether or not that platforms are actually legal or not (therefore it is considered a “grey area”). To address this challenge, government officials can amend or implement laws that can determine the legality of online gambling platforms. By doing this, it can clear up any complexities and confusion that may exist.
- Sophisticated technology: The digital tools that allow for detection prevention are being used for nefarious purposes. As such, someone who may be familiar with using them could create challenges for authorities who are searching for illegal online casino platforms. There are plenty of tools and resources that could counteract this kind of prevention. However, Bangladesh may not have them on hand to tackle illegal online casinos themselves. Therefore, the partnership with entities and other authorities with such tools and resources will be critical.
While the challenges still create roadblocks for investigative authorities, there are some strategies to counteract criminal activity where online casino platforms are being used as a front. Nonetheless, the reliability of the general public will be necessary. Especially for regular players who may notice irregularities or suspicious patterns that may be linked to criminal wrongdoing.
Public Awareness: What Can Be Done To Combat Illegal Gambling in Bangladesh?
While online gambling may be legal to an extent in Bangladesh, there may be many in the public that may not be aware of that. Therefore, a public awareness campaign could help clear up any confusion that may exist regarding what is considered legal and what isn’t. Therefore, it is important for government entities to present the following strategies for a successful campaign:
- Clearing up the legality of gambling: On one end, it is important to remind citizens of Bangladesh that land-based gambling outside of regular horse racing is illegal and can carry stiff penalties. It should also be noted that while online casinos are not entirely illegal in Bangladesh, the public should play at their own risk and be responsible. In no way should the public awareness campaign encourage gambling, but rather discuss the risks that may be involved while citizens play with online platforms.
- Report any potential illegal activity to authoritative bodies: While Bangladesh does not have authoritative bodies of their own regarding gambling, the government can collaborate with authorities such as the UKGC and similar entities to flag any potential illegal online casinos. From there, the authorities will investigate any wrongdoing or violations that may have occurred.
- Restrictions of gambling: Persons under the age of 18 are prohibited from gambling in Bangladesh and many jurisdictions. This should be emphasized in the public awareness campaigns. It should also be noted that any online casinos that may be catering to minors should be reported accordingly.
Bringing public awareness about online casinos being linked to illegal activity is vital to the safety of the public. Especially when it comes to combating financial crimes where unsuspecting users could be victims. By implementing such campaigns regularly, this could allow people to be aware of what could be considered illegal and report such activities accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Bangladeshi authorities are doing their part to combat illegal online casinos. There may be creative ways for certain online crimes to go unnoticed and these platforms could be used as a front. In today’s world where online casinos are growing in popularity, curtailing these crimes can be challenging for authorities. However, Bangladesh and other nations and entities around the world are doing whatever is necessary to stop illegal online casinos from reaching unsuspecting users.