Online gambling is emerging as a dangerous addiction among the youth in Bangladesh with easy access to it via smartphones and the allure of quick earnings. This practice is attracting a diverse demographic, from students to working professionals since awareness about its detrimental impact remains minimal, comparable to the lack of understanding surrounding drug addiction. First-Hand Account Rahaat (name changed for privacy), a recent postgraduate from a public university, shared his experience of falling into the trap of online gambling. He said, “Popular platforms like 1xbet and Melbet were introduced to me through social media ads and friends. The promise of easy money was irresistible. Betting options are extensive, ranging from live sports such as football, cricket, and hockey to virtual games like Ludo and casino games. Sports enthusiasts are particularly vulnerable, believing their knowledge makes predictions easier.” He revealed that gambling addiction spans across social classes. “Daily earners, such as rickshaw- pullers and shopkeepers, often gamble their hard-earned money on computer-generated games. They are drawn by the illusion of doubling their income overnight but usually end up losing everything.” Rahaat said that these platforms lure users with initial wins to build trust. “Once someone is hooked, the losses start piling up. People invest more in desperation to recover what they’ve lost, creating a vicious cycle.” He mentioned the role of local agents who facilitate transactions and encourage new users to join. “These agents, who earn commissions, operate in communities across the country. They assure users of secure transactions and even provide guidance for setting up accounts,” he said. Women's Perspective Tania (not her real name), a private university graduate, recounted her own ordeal. Read: Online gambling: Ringleader, 3 gang members arrested in Dhaka, Gazipur “I was drawn to online gambling out of curiosity and financial necessity. Initially, I won small amounts, but greed took over, and I kept depositing more. Eventually, I lost everything, amounting to nearly Tk 50,000, much of which I borrowed. It felt like being trapped in quicksand,” she said. Tania has since warned her friends about the dangers of online gambling. “Breaking free is difficult, but raising awareness is crucial,” she added. Law Enforcement’s Standpoint Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Nazmul Islam, acknowledged the gravity of the situation. “Online gambling is undoubtedly an addiction. While the public gambling prevention act exists, enforcement is weak. Stronger laws and decisive action are necessary to prevent further harm to the youth," he said. Deputy Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Division Shahjahan Hossain echoed similar concerns. “We lack specific legislation addressing cyber gambling. However, combating these issues is a priority under the government’s new initiatives," he said. Awareness Building Dr Tawohidul Haque, Associate Professor at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research, Dhaka University, emphasised the role of families in tackling this issue. “Parents often fail to monitor their children’s online activities. Just as they would intervene in cases of drug addiction, they must take note of their children’s financial habits and online behaviour,” he said. Dr Haque stressed the importance of a collective approach involving law enforcement, government agencies and families. “Awareness campaigns are vital to educate the public about the risks associated with online gambling," he said. Read more:BFIU suspends 21,725 MFS accounts over online gambling, hundi As online gambling continues to spread unchecked, it is imperative for stakeholders to act swiftly. Strengthened legislation, community awareness, and familial involvement are crucial to preventing the youth from succumbing to this modern addiction.

State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak on Monday (June 24, 2024) said a drive involving all concerned will be conducted to stop online gambling. Around 50 lakh people are involved in online gambling, the state minister told reporters after a meeting with French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy at the secretariat. Read more: Finance Minister sees online gambling, hundi behind increasing money laundering When his attention was drawn to the issue of money laundering through online gambling, the state minister said, "We have exchanged views on online gambling. Our children of different ages are at serious risk. Even many elderly retired persons are coming in. Analyzing the data, we have seen how 50 lakh people have become involved in these gambling sites.” "We are trying to block illegal gambling sites. I'm also trying to create awareness. So that common people are not deceived by any such temptation.” A total of 2,600 gambling sites have already been blocked and now mobile apps are being blocked, he said adding “It's a continuous process, it will continue.” He said they sat with the Department of Telecom, National Telecom Monitoring Centre, Computer Council, BTRC and Cyber Security Agency to discuss blocking of these gambling sites. Read more: Online gambling apps to be stopped: Palak

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested five members of an online gambling gang from Khulna for allegedly laundering money through online gambling platforms. They were arrested in a raid in Khulna’s Rupsa upazila on Thursday night. The arrestees were identified as Md. Rajib, Md. Enamul Gazi, Md. Mehedi Hasan, Md. Idris Mollah and Md. Mamun. According to a press release by the RAB, a group of people in Khulna’s Rupsa upazila have been laundering money through online gambling apps like 1XBET and Velki Live. The ring used to illegally transact money from around the country using Bkash, Nagad and other mobile financial services. Also Read: Money laundering through online gambling platforms: 6 arrested in city Tipped off, the elite force conducted a raid in Khulna’s Rupsa upazila on Wednesday night and arrested the five ring members, including the mastermind. During the raid, the RAB recovered and seized at least five Android smartphones used for online betting. Later, information regarding online gambling, and illegal transactions of both dollars and local currencies through multiple mobile financial services (Bkash, Nogod, Rocket, and Upay) was obtained from various messenger groups found in the recovered mobile phone.   The arrestees were later handed over to the concerned police station.     END/UNB/FK/F