The Bangladesh sports betting market operates within a complex regulatory environment in 2025. While traditional gambling remains prohibited under the Public Gambling Act of 1867, online sports betting exists in a legal grey area. BetOnGame betting site in Bangladesh represents one of the international platforms serving Bangladeshi players despite these regulatory challenges.
Legal Framework and Market Status
Gambling is illegal in Bangladesh. While the Public Gambling Act of 1867 prohibits public gambling and common casinos, the rise of online gambling has created a legal gray area in the country. The legislation was inherited from British colonial rule and has not been updated to address modern online betting platforms.
During the 1990s, the Bangladeshi government began cracking down on illegal sports betting due to its ties to organized crime and money laundering. To address these issues and bring structure to the industry, the government introduced the National Sports Council Act in 2017. This act established the National Sports Council to oversee potential regulation of sports betting activities.
The current regulatory situation creates uncertainty for operators and bettors. In Bangladesh, online betting sites operate in a legal grey area. The country’s current laws do not explicitly address online gambling or sports betting. Consequently, there are no licensed or regulated online betting sites based in Bangladesh.
Popular Sports and Betting Markets
Cricket dominates the Bangladesh betting landscape. Cricket is by far the most popular sport in Bangladesh and leads the way in the country’s betting market. Local and international bookmakers offer a wide range of cricket betting options, including markets such as match winner, top run-scorer, leading wicket-taker, and total runs scored:
- Football: Both domestic leagues and international competitions attract significant betting interest
- Tennis: Growing popularity with various tournament markets available
- Badminton: Strong following during major Asian tournaments
- Basketball: Emerging sport with increasing betting options
Market Size and Growth Trends
The global sports betting market provides context for Bangladesh’s potential. The global sports betting market size was estimated at USD 100.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 187.39 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11% from 2025 to 2030.
Cricket betting specifically shows strong growth potential. The cricket segment is anticipated to experience the highest growth between 2025 and 2030. This growth is primarily fueled by the sport’s increasing popularity in emerging markets such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Africa:
| Segment | Market Share | Growth Rate | Key Features |
| Cricket | 65% | High | IPL, BPL, international matches |
| Football | 20% | Medium | Premier League, World Cup, local leagues |
| Tennis | 8% | Medium | Grand Slams, ATP/WTA tours |
| Other Sports | 7% | Low-Medium | Badminton, basketball, hockey |
Technology and Platform Preferences
Mobile betting dominates user preferences in Bangladesh. The mobile platforms segment held the largest market share and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 12.4% during the forecast period. This trend reflects the widespread smartphone adoption across the country.
Live betting has become increasingly popular. In 2024, Live/In-Play betting commands a 59.58% market share and is projected to grow at a 14.27% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. Real-time data feeds and improved mobile connectivity enable this growth:
- Mobile-first platform design
- Live streaming capabilities
- Real-time odds updates
- Local payment method integration
- Bengali language support
Payment Methods and Currency
Payment options remain a challenge for Bangladeshi bettors. If you want to bet using Taka (Bangladesh local currency), then there aren’t many options available since the laws surrounding online betting in Bangladesh are still murky. However, 22Bet and 1xBet are two sportsbooks that allow you to bet in Taka without paying any conversion charges:
- bKash and other mobile banking services
- Credit and debit cards
- E-wallets (Skrill, Neteller)
- Cryptocurrency options
- Bank transfers
BetOnGame BD bookmaker and similar platforms typically offer multiple payment options to accommodate local preferences.
Operator Competition and Market Dynamics
Online sports betting sites compete fiercely by providing higher odds, a wider range of betting markets, extensive live betting features, and attractive promotional bonuses. These offerings are key to attracting users, as bettors tend to choose platforms that give them the most value and variety.
Major international operators serving Bangladesh include:
- 1xBet
- BetOnGame
- Mostbet
- Melbet
- Parimatch
Competition focuses on several areas:
- Competitive odds and margins
- Promotional offers and bonuses
- Local payment method support
- Customer service in Bengali
- Mobile app functionality
Challenges and Future Outlook
The Bangladesh sports betting market faces several challenges in 2025. Regulatory uncertainty continues to impact market development. As of now, all online gambling activities with the exception of horse race betting and lotteries are strictly forbidden, but we will keep you updated for any changes in the legal framework.
Social concerns also present challenges. Since then, it has been reported that vast numbers of teenagers in Bangladesh’s rural areas have become addicted to gambling, specifically coming across gambling sites through Facebook and YouTube ads.
Despite these challenges, market fundamentals remain strong:
- Large population with growing internet penetration
- Strong sports culture, especially cricket
- Increasing smartphone adoption
- Young demographic profile
The market shows potential for regulated growth if legal frameworks evolve. The National Sports Council Act of 2017 provides a foundation for future regulation, though implementation remains pending.
Conclusion
Bangladesh’s sports betting market in 2025 operates in a complex environment balancing strong demand with regulatory uncertainty. Cricket remains the dominant sport for betting activity, while mobile platforms drive technological adoption. International operators continue serving the market despite legal ambiguities, competing on odds, features, and local adaptation.
According to Wikipedia, gambling regulations in Bangladesh trace back to colonial-era legislation that has not been updated for digital platforms. Future market development depends largely on regulatory clarification and potential legalization frameworks. The strong underlying demand, particularly for cricket betting, suggests significant growth potential if appropriate regulations are established. Operators that prioritize mobile experience, local payment methods, and responsible gaming practices are likely to succeed in this evolving market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sports betting legal in Bangladesh in 2025?
Sports betting exists in a legal grey area in Bangladesh. While the Public Gambling Act of 1867 prohibits traditional gambling, online sports betting is not explicitly addressed by current legislation.
What is the most popular sport for betting in Bangladesh?
Cricket dominates the betting market in Bangladesh, accounting for approximately 65% of all sports betting activity. The sport’s popularity is driven by international tournaments and domestic leagues.
Can Bangladeshi players use local currency for betting?
Limited options exist for betting in Bangladeshi Taka. Most international operators require currency conversion, though some platforms like BetOnGame and 22Bet accept BDT deposits.
Which payment methods are available for Bangladeshi bettors?
Popular payment options include bKash, mobile banking services, credit cards, e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, and cryptocurrency. Mobile banking remains the preferred method for local players.
How large is the Bangladesh sports betting market?
While specific figures for Bangladesh are not publicly available, the country contributes to the broader South Asian market growth, with cricket betting showing particular strength in the region.