Bangladesh

In recent years, Bangladeshi authorities have significantly stepped up the fight against iGaming by blocking illegal websites and online gambling advertisements. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains limited due to the active use of VPNs by the population, the weakness of the country's network technology and outdated laws that do not cover iGaming.

Consequently, the online gambling market here can be seen as a gray area where there are quite free conditions for offshore products to operate.

It is quite obvious that Bangladeshis will continue to gamble as a large portion of the population lives in poverty, which increases their desire and belief in making quick and easy money through online gambling.

In addition, the increased availability of the internet has contributed to the proliferation and popularization of e-wallets and online payments in the country, which is also one of the factors contributing to the active involvement of Bangladeshis in iGaming and creating a more sustainable environment for the gambling industry.

Population

The population is over 174 million (65% live in rural areas). The average age is 25 years. The total adult literacy rate is 61%. The total literacy rate among youth (15-24 years old) is 83,18%.

In 2024, the population of Bangladesh is increasing by 3,370 people per day.

Language: The official language is Bengali (Bengali, Bangla), which differs from the languages of eastern India by some dialectal forms, but has a distinct Thai, Arabic and Persian influence.

This ancient language is an important element of Bangladeshi national identity. When the country was part of Pakistan, the attempt to introduce Urdu instead of Bangla was one of the reasons for the national uprising and subsequent independence of the Bangladeshis. Thus, the people of the country consider themselves to be the only people on Earth who went to war only to preserve their language.

The second language is English. Currently it is a language of interethnic communication and is widely used in the service sector, in state institutions and mass media.

Religion: Islam (89.8%), Hinduism (9.1%), as well as Buddhism, folk beliefs, and Christianity.

Major cities: Dhaka (capital), Chittagong, Khulna, Sylhet, Rajshahi.

Currency: Bangladeshi taka (BDT). 100 BDT = $0.84.

Financial capacity

Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries in the world. The extreme poverty rate (citizens receive less than $1.9 per day) in the country is projected to rise to 5.2% in 2024 from 4.9% in the previous year. The moderate poverty rate (citizens receive just over $3.6 per day) is 40%.

To earn livelihood, Bangladeshis, including children, work in textile and brick factories. More than 40% working children in Bangladesh live below the poverty line, 25% children live in extreme poverty (deprived of basic facilities - food, shelter, health care, sanitation and drinking water).

The minimum wage is $110 per month and the average wage is just over $250 per month. The unemployment rate is 6.5%.

mentality

Until 1947, the territory of Bangladesh was part of British India and was under British colonial rule, which left a distinct mark on the country's culture.

The population has not lost faith in pagan rituals and traditions. This is especially pronounced in the villages. An empty jug or an odd number is considered an unfavorable sign for starting a journey or a new business.

Every local is proud of their family tree and can tell you about their ancestors 5-7 generations back.

Respect for elders is widespread. They are privileged to be the first to initiate and lead any action. They often act as advisors in various situations and as clan leaders, regardless of the religious preferences of a community.

Most of all, the local population loves music and dancing. Almost all year round there are holidays and festivals in the country. Most of them have a religious meaning.

The level of education is one of the most important elements of social status, and for many young people serves as a real idea-fix. Therefore, the overall level of education in the country, despite the poverty of the majority of the population, is quite high.

ARPU (average product revenue per player): $120 per year.

Internet availability

As of 2023, there are more than 70 million internet users in Bangladesh.

The average speed of a fixed Internet connection is 34.85 Mbps.

The average speed of the mobile Internet connection was 13.95 Mbps.

Degree of device utilization:

• mobile - 80,22% (Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Realme, Oppo). The iPhone is used by 3% Bangladeshis.
• desktop - 17,42%.
• tablet - 2,36%

Popular Web Applications: Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn.

In 2023, Facebook had 43.25 million users, YouTube had 34.4 million users, and Instagram had 4.45 million users.

Player preferences

Cricket is the most popular sport in Bangladesh. Betting on IPL, PSL, BPL and Big Bash are the most popular among the fans of the country.

Traditional sports such as swimming, boli khela (martial arts), lathi khela (a form of stick fighting), kabaddi (a team sport combining wrestling and rugby) are common in rural areas. Volleyball, hockey, handball, golf and badminton are common among urban residents.

The most popular casino games are roulette, blackjack and poker.