NCSA Issues Legal Notice to ESPN Over Regulatory Violations in Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s Cyber Security Agency Targets ESPNcricinfo
The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) of Bangladesh has sent a formal legal notice to ESPN Sports Media Group Ltd, the parent company of ESPNcricinfo. The notice alleges violations of Bangladesh’s Cyber Safety Ordinance 2025 along with non-compliance concerning tax obligations and advertising related to gambling.
Details of NCSA’s Allegations Against ESPN
According to the letter from the NCSA, ESPNcricinfo has been accused of displaying advertisements that promote online betting and gambling platforms, which is strictly forbidden under Bangladeshi law. The agency emphasized that any promotion, facilitation, or dissemination of gambling, betting, or pornographic content is illegal, punishable under the ordinance.
In addition to the concerns about gambling-related promotions, the agency also pointed out that ESPNcricinfo has generated advertising revenue within Bangladesh without proper business registration or payment of required taxes, including VAT. This omission violates relevant tax laws in the country.
The NCSA has demanded immediate action from ESPNcricinfo to remove all prohibited advertisements, promotional content, and affiliate links connected to betting and gambling. The company has been instructed to provide written confirmation within seven working days, assuring full compliance with Bangladeshi regulations.
Furthermore, the notice requests detailed information about ESPN’s advertising and revenue operations in Bangladesh to verify compliance with tax and VAT requirements. The NCSA warned that failure to comply may result in ESPNcricinfo being blocked from operating within Bangladesh.
The Current Legal Landscape of Gambling in Bangladesh
The Public Gambling Act of 1867 governs gambling activities in Bangladesh. However, this act predates the internet, leaving online gambling largely unregulated and creating ambiguity around its legality.
Due to the absence of specific laws addressing online gambling, both authorities and the public face uncertainty regarding its legal status. Consequently, online gambling platforms operate with minimal oversight, raising concerns about risks such as financial losses, addiction, and potential links to criminal activities.
Interest in online sports betting has notably increased since the 2012 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) tournament. Popular events like the BPL, IPL, La Liga, and the Premier League have attracted substantial gambling activities. Reports highlight that teenagers, especially from rural areas, are becoming addicted to gambling after exposure through advertisements seen on social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube.
Until comprehensive regulations are established for online gambling, this sector will continue to exist in a legal gray area within Bangladesh.
