On October 15, 2025, Bangladesh’s National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) issued a legal notice to ESPN Sports Media Group Ltd, the parent company of ESPNcricinfo, accusing it of breaching the country’s Cyber Safety Ordinance 2025. This move highlights alleged non-compliance with local tax regulations and a prohibition on gambling advertisements.
The NCSA’s notice to ESPNcricinfo outlined several critical allegations. It accused the platform of broadcasting and promoting online betting and gambling advertisements, activities strictly forbidden by Bangladeshi law. The Cyber Safety Ordinance clearly criminalizes any promotion or facilitation of online betting, gambling, or related content. The NCSA emphasized that any such advertisement or sponsored content within Bangladesh’s jurisdiction is unlawful.
In addition to gambling promotion concerns, ESPNcricinfo was also accused of conducting advertising operations in Bangladesh without following proper registration protocols or paying necessary taxes. The NCSA alleged that the platform did not declare or remit the appropriate taxes and value-added tax (VAT), thus breaching financial compliance requirements.
The agency urged ESPNcricinfo to take immediate corrective measures by ceasing all advertisements and promotional activities related to gambling. They demanded a written commitment within seven working days to ensure compliance with Bangladeshi laws. Furthermore, ESPN was asked to provide a detailed account of its advertising and revenue-generating activities in Bangladesh to align with the National Board of Revenue’s regulations. Failure to comply might result in ESPNcricinfo being blocked in the country, the NCSA warned.
This development reflects the broader regulatory challenges surrounding gambling in Bangladesh. Governed primarily by the Public Gambling Act of 1867, the nation lacks a contemporary framework for addressing online gambling, which creates legal ambiguities. The antiquated law, having originated long before the digital era, does not encompass the complexities of online betting, leaving both authorities and citizens in a state of uncertainty regarding its legality.
The absence of clear, updated regulations for online gambling has turned cyberspace into a breeding ground for uncontrolled gambling activities. This regulatory vacuum has sparked concerns over potential financial losses, addiction, and even criminal undertones. Online sports betting, particularly, gained momentum post the 2012 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) event, with subsequent tournaments like IPL, La Liga, and the Premier League drawing substantial betting interests. Alarming reports have surfaced, indicating that many teenagers, especially from rural parts of Bangladesh, are becoming addicted to gambling, mainly due to exposure through digital advertisements on platforms like Facebook and YouTube.
While some argue that stricter enforcement of existing laws could mitigate these issues, others believe that a comprehensive overhaul of the legal framework is essential. Only a robust regulatory system specifically tailored to the digital age can address online gambling complexities. Until then, the legal status of online gambling will continue to be a gray area, fraught with challenges and uncertainties.
Nevertheless, the situation presents an opportunity for Bangladesh to modernize its legal infrastructure concerning online gambling. Advocates for reform insist that clear regulations could safeguard citizens against the risks associated with gambling, such as addiction and financial harm, while also potentially generating significant tax revenue from regulated gambling activities. They propose a system that not only places strict controls on gambling advertising but also ensures proper taxation and revenue reporting from foreign entities like ESPN.
Critics, however, caution against the challenges of enforcing such laws in the digital landscape, where cross-border activities and anonymity present significant hurdles. They argue that the sheer volume and reach of online platforms make it difficult to monitor and regulate effectively. Moreover, the cultural and societal implications of legalizing online gambling remain contentious, with concerns about the moral impact on youth and vulnerable populations.
In the face of these complex issues, Bangladesh stands at a crossroads. The government can choose to maintain the status quo, relying on periodic enforcement actions like the one against ESPN, or it can embark on a path of comprehensive reform, aligning its legal system with the realities of the digital age. As it navigates this challenge, the choices made will significantly impact not only the regulatory landscape for gambling but also the broader digital economy in Bangladesh.
David Harrison stands tall in gambling journalism, marrying his firsthand casino experiences with a deep understanding of betting psychology. His articles transform complex gambling jargon into engaging tales of strategy and chance, making the world of betting accessible and enjoyable. David’s knack for narrative extends beyond print, making him a sought-after speaker on gambling trends and future bets. In the realm of gambling, David is both a scholar and a storyteller, captivating readers and listeners alike.
