Online Gambling Epidemic: 1xBet & Tackling Online Gambling in Bangladesh
Digital Dilemma: Tackling Online Betting in Bangladesh
Introduction
Online gambling refers to the act of participating in games of chance or betting activities over the internet. These activities include casino games, sports betting, poker, and various other forms of wagering. In our country, online gambling has escalated significantly, facilitated by the widespread availability of smartphones, leading to addiction fueled by the desire for easy money. Particularly, sports betting has surged in popularity, with many youths initially engaging out of curiosity but later succumbing to addiction. Despite getting profits initially, individuals often end up losing substantial sums of money later on. Furthermore, the current legal framework fails to address sports betting adequately, resulting in its misuse remaining in a legal gray area. This article focuses on online sports betting, notably the 1xbet platform, which has become a pervasive activity, especially in rural areas, detrimentally affecting people’s lives.
What is 1xBet?
1xBet is a renowned online platform offering a wide array of betting options and gambling games. Established in 2007, 1xBet is an online gambling and betting platform. The organization started out as a Russian online betting company and has since expanded to become a major player worldwide. From sports betting to live casinos, 1xBet provides an immersive gambling opportunity for people of any ages. To initiate betting on 1xBet, individuals must first register or log in to their account, ensuring they have funds available or a free bet at their disposal. Deposits and withdrawals are facilitated through local agents of the game, predominantly utilizing mobile banking services like Bkash and Rocket. Once a user has a balance in the app, they can browse through the events or competitions they wish to bet on. Upon finding their desired event, they can enter the amount they wish to wager. Consequently, bets are placed continuously by players, resulting in a significant outflow of money from the country. In addition to betting, the platform offers a myriad of online gambling games such as live casino, roulette, poker, many others. This pervasive presence of online gambling has emerged as a serious concern in our country, affecting individuals especially in rural areas.
Share this Article
Impact in our country
Rural people are increasingly succumbing to addiction to online gambling, perceiving it as a convenient avenue for earning money. Agents actively persuade them into participating in these games. Initially, users witness returns surpassing their investments, which exacerbates their addiction. Major events like the Bangladesh cricket series, IPL, BPL, and similar tournaments serve as peak periods for such betting activities. According to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the police, they have received information indicating illegal transactions of at least BDT three to five crore per day through mobile banking in a district of the country, specifically in the realm of online gambling through platforms like 1xbet. So, the situation is indeed alarming, and immediate action should be taken to prevent it. As a measure, some websites have been banned from access, but people can easily bypass this through VPN. Apart from this, local online-based sports betting platforms have also emerged, making this activity very popular.
What the law says
Under Article 18(2) of the Constitution of Bangladesh, the state is mandated to adopt effective measures against gambling, reflecting moral disapproval. However, this provision lacks legal enforceability and merely guides legislative actions regarding gambling, not gaming. The primary legislation, the Public Gambling Act of 1867, targets common gaming houses and participation in gambling activities but does not explicitly cover online casinos operating from foreign jurisdictions. Enforcement efforts face challenges due to the lack of jurisdiction over foreign-based gambling sites and selective policing, primarily focusing on traditional venues. Regulating online gambling is complicated by its borderless nature, with law enforcement leveraging provisions of the Digital Security Act 2018, though without specific focus on online gambling. Many gambling platforms operate offshore, eluding regulation, while outdated laws hinder enforcement efforts, often leading to prosecution under unrelated statutes. With this area being in the gray zone of the law, gamblers are taking advantage of it by operating in secret social media groups and continuing transactions through mobile banking. It is a demand of time to include online sports betting under specific regulation to keep it under control.
Learning from Qatar’s anti-gambling policies
While many countries struggle to control online gambling, several have implemented strict measures to combat this phenomenon effectively. One of the such country is Qatar. Gambling is prohibited in Qatar, encompassing both online and offline activities, due to the absence of a regulatory framework that permits casinos and betting sites. This ban includes lotteries, sports betting, and online gambling. Qatar has implemented a comprehensive set of measures to combat online gambling, driven by legal, technological, and financial strategies. The Qatari government’s primary aim is to prevent the growth of unregulated markets and suppress entities engaging in illegal gambling activities.
According to Articles 274, 275, 276, and 277 of the Qatari Penal Code (QPC), any activity involving winning or losing based on chance is deemed gambling. Such activities typically involve an agreed monetary prize between the participants, awarded to the winner. Article 275 of the QPC specifies that Qataris caught gambling may face a fine of up to three thousand Qatari riyals and/or imprisonment for a maximum of three months. If gambling occurs in a public setting, the penalties can escalate to six months imprisonment and/or a fine not exceeding six thousand Qatari riyals. Furthermore, those found organizing gambling activities in public or private residences can be sentenced to up to one year in prison and fined up to five thousand Qatari riyals. Authorities also confiscate all materials, funds, and equipment involved in gambling and may shut down gambling establishments. In addition to the legal prohibitions, religious laws, such as Sharia, regard gambling as a sinful act. Money won through gambling is considered impure since it is gained through luck rather than through effort and labor.
Apart from the legal ban, Qatar also enforces some stringent measures to govern online gambling, employing various strategies to maintain its prohibition. The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology in Qatar has implemented rigorous internet censorship measures to block offshore betting sites. While using virtual private networks (VPNs) is not explicitly banned, accessing restricted content or websites through VPNs is considered a criminal act. This regulation leads to cautious and discreet online betting among residents. Again, the Qatar Financial Center Regulatory Authority, established under the Qatar Financial Center Law (Law Number 7 of 2005), has imposed a ban on decentralized cryptocurrencies used for gambling transactions. This oversight effectively prevents residents from using cryptocurrencies to deposit or withdraw funds for gambling, thereby regulating gambling activities. Additionally, in compliance with Law Number 1 of 2012, which governs the placement of advertisements, advertising gambling products and businesses is prohibited in Qatar. During the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, state authorities were particularly vigilant in blocking betting sites operated by foreign companies, ensuring strict adherence to this regulation.
Conclusion
The proliferation of online gambling, particularly in the realm of sports betting like 1xBet, presents a pressing challenge for Bangladesh. Despite legal frameworks in place, loopholes and ambiguities have allowed for the unchecked growth of this industry, leading to detrimental societal impacts. The emergence of platforms like 1xBet has only exacerbated the issue, particularly in rural areas where addiction rates are rising. While efforts have been made to address this issue through regulatory measures and enforcement actions, the borderless nature of online gambling poses significant challenges for effective control. To combat this growing dilemma, there is an urgent need for comprehensive and targeted regulation specific to online sports betting.
Our country can take a multifaceted approach to prevent online gambling by adopting strategies similar to those of Qatar. This includes enacting strict laws to criminalize all forms of gambling, implementing robust internet censorship to block access to offshore gambling sites, and prohibiting the use of VPNs to access restricted content. Enforcing stringent regulations on advertising to prohibit the promotion of gambling products and services is also crucial. By combining these measures with public awareness campaigns about the legal and ethical issues surrounding gambling, Bangladesh can effectively curb online gambling activities. Additionally, collaboration between government authorities, law enforcement agencies, and international stakeholders is essential to address the transnational nature of this issue. By amendment of the existing laws, enacting guidelines and implementing effective measures to put online betting under regulation and monitoring, our country can mitigate the adverse impacts of online gambling and protect its citizens from exploitation.
Disclaimer:
The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not endorse or encourage any form of gambling. We do not support or promote gambling activities in any capacity. The intention of this article is to raise awareness about the challenges posed by online gambling and its societal impacts. It is crucial to recognize the detrimental effects of gambling addiction and prioritize the well-being of individuals and communities by discouraging participation in gambling and promoting healthier alternatives.
References:
- https://www.thedailystar.net/law-our-rights/news/online-gambling-and-money-transaction-question-legality-the-context-bangladesh-3244721
- https://www.newagebd.net/article/213355/digital-gambling-thru-mfs-in-bangladesh-rampant
- https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/horl20g8b7
- https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/online-gambling-agents-using-mfs-accounts-cid-2230266
- https://www.tbsnews.net/thoughts/its-high-time-we-regulate-online-gaming-gambling-and-betting-711242
- https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/crime/u88gaw4dqo
- https://www.sabcsport.com/news/online-betting-in-south-africa-understanding-the-legalframework#:~:text=The%20National%20Gambling%20Act%20of,are%20illegal%20except%20sports%20betting.
- https://legamart.com/articles/quick-guide-to-gambling-laws-in-qatar/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3vRoBv4NPU