Bill proposes criminalizing gambling with jail sentences

The government has proposed legislation to criminalize gambling, including online gambling, with penalties of up to four years in prison.

The bill, submitted by Hithadhoo Central MP Ahmed Azan, seeks to amend the Penal Code to make gambling and operating a gambling establishment a criminal offence. Under the proposed amendment, the offence is classified as a fourth-degree crime.

The standard punishment for a fourth-degree offence is one year, seven months and six days in prison. The law allows for a minimum sentence of four months and 24 days, with a maximum sentence of up to four years.

The bill defines gambling as giving up something of value through a game, tournament, scheme or event, whether electronically, through a gambling device, or based on a current or future event, in exchange for a specific and determinable outcome.

The bill also outlines activities that will not be considered gambling. These include:

According to the bill, a gambling device is defined as any device designed to provide money or something of value to a person, whether based on luck or skill, and which facilitates the acquisition of a financial or material benefit.

The bill further defines operating a gambling establishment as organizing gambling activities or running a service, business or tournament using gambling devices or other means at a specific location. This definition explicitly includes online gambling platforms and businesses.

The use of gambling websites has increased significantly recently, with gambling platforms frequently promoted through Telegram and other social media channels in Maldives.

Last month, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced that the government had submitted a bill to Parliament aimed at banning gambling in the country.