Economic hardship and digital access are driving people to view gambling as a shortcut to success
A rising number of people across Bangladesh — from university students to auto-rickshaw drivers, and even schoolchildren — are increasingly engaging in online and informal betting, viewing it as a shortcut to a financial success. Pause Unmute Remaining Time -6:17 Unibots.com Despite legal prohibitions and growing social concern, gambling is quietly evolving into a mainstream activity, especially among those desperate for economic mobility. Online betting, although banned under the Public Gambling Act of 1867, has grown significantly in recent years, taking advantage of gaps in enforcement and widespread digital access.
Millions change hands daily According to reports, online gambling-related transactions in Bangladesh range from Tk3 crore to Tk5 crore daily through banking channels alone. This figure excludes large sums moved through cash and mobile wallets, suggesting the real amount could be much higher. A report from Glory Casino Bangladesh projected that the country's online gambling market would reach $62 million by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.7% between 2020 and 2026.
