Bill introduced to criminalize gambling

The government has submitted a bill to amend the Penal Code to make gambling, and operating a gambling establishment, a criminal offence.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced on X that the amendment had been forwarded to parliament, though details of the bill have not yet been released.

Attorney General Ahmed Usham previously said the government intended to update legislation to curb gambling and betting carried out through websites and mobile apps. He noted that gambling had become increasingly widespread in the Maldives and required legal reform.

Last year, authorities began blocking access to online gambling and betting sites. The use of such platforms has risen sharply in recent years, with promotions commonly appearing on Telegram and other social media channels.