Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed concerns over money laundering and the negative impacts of increasing online gambling across traditional broadcast and social media platforms.

“Despite clear directives from the apex court, there appears to be a lack of visible measures to curb this trend. Gambling is being advertised under new guises on satellite channels and social media platforms,” reads a TIB statement on Thursday.

The Berlin-based organisation has urged the authorities concerned for the immediate restriction of gambling-related advertisements to safeguard a significant portion of the population, particularly the youth, from falling prey to online gambling addiction.

Despite all forms of gambling being illegal under the country’s laws, it is being promoted using various strategies. Flashy advertisements for different betting sites are disguised or presented in “surrogate” formats in traditional media during broadcasts of popular sporting events like the IPL, BPL, or others.

Regarding online betting, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman expressed grave concerns, saying that the platform is witnessing a surge in online gambling in the country.

“Exploiting legal loopholes for profit cannot be considered responsible broadcasting. Even city billboards are promoting online gambling. Despite last year’s High Court orders to block online gambling advertisements, different social media platforms and television, particularly sports channels, continue to actively promote betting and gambling, which is wholly unacceptable,” he said.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman underscored the necessity of a multidimensional approach to combating online gambling, stating, “According to Section 18(2) of the Constitution and conventional laws, it is mandatory for the government to prevent all forms of gambling.”

However, the country still relies on a 157-year-old law to regulate gambling. Despite initial steps to enact the Gambling Prevention Act, 2023, it remains in the draft stage.

Under such circumstances, TIB has strongly urged the prompt enactment and enforcement of the draft Gambling Prevention Act and advocated for a thorough review of the draft in consultation with related stakeholders.