In Bangladesh, all forms of gambling—including lotteries—are regulated under the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which generally prohibits gambling activities unless explicitly authorized by the government (1).
Despite the general ban, the government may authorize specific lotteries to raise public welfare funds; any lottery not sanctioned by a government authority remains illegal under the Penal Code (2).
"Whoever keeps any office or place for the purpose of drawing any lottery not being a State lottery or a lottery authorized by the Government shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred taka, or with both."
Enforcement of these laws falls to local police and the judiciary; unauthorized lottery operators face penalties including fines and imprisonment under Section 294A of the Penal Code (2).
Source:
https://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/act-details-16.html
https://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/act-11/section-3113.html
Last updated: 20-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
