Bill criminalizing gambling with up to four years in prison sent to Committee

The Parliament, on Monday, has accepted the government-backed amendment to the Penal Code aimed at criminalizing gambling and the operation of gambling establishments, introducing prison sentences ranging from one to four years for such crimes.

The government-backed bill to amend the Penal Code was submitted by ruling PNC’s Central Hithadhoo MP Ahmed Azaan Marzooq.

The bill was accepted by the unanimous votes of 50 lawmakers during the extraordinary sitting out of session held on Monday and has subsequently been forwarded to the relevant committee for review. 

Under the new amendment to the Penal Code, gambling or operating a gambling establishment will be classified as a fourth-degree felony, carrying a minimum sentence of one year, seven months, and six days, and a maximum of four years in prison. The bill also defines gambling, clarifies exemptions, and specifies that participating in tournaments for entertainment or sporting purposes—even with cash or valuable prizes—will not be considered gambling. Online gambling is explicitly included as an offence.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced the government’s decision submit the legislature seeking to criminalize gambling on December 10^th, citing growing public concern over online betting platforms and illegal gambling networks in the Maldives.

Although gambling has increased in recent years, the current Penal Code does not criminalise gambling or the operation of gambling establishments, despite widespread reports of financial losses.

Authorities have previously blocked betting websites in an effort to combat the issue.