Bangladesh

In recent years, Bangladeshi authorities have significantly stepped up the fight against iGaming by blocking illegal websites and online gambling adverts. 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remains limited due to the active use of VPNs by the population, the weakness of the country's network technology and outdated laws that do not cover iGaming.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 considered as a grey area where there are quite free conditions for offshore products to operate.

It is quite evident that the people of Bangladesh will continue to gamble as a large part of the population lives in poverty, which reinforces their desire and belief in the possibility of making quick and easy money through online gambling.

In addition, the increasing availability of the internet has contributed to the spread and popularisation 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 country has a population of over 174 million (65 per cent live in rural areas). The average age is 25 years old. The overall adult literacy rate is 61%. The overall youth literacy rate (15 to 24 years) is 83.18 per cent.

The population of Bangladesh is increasing by 3,370 per day in 2024.

Language: The official language is Bengali (Bengali, Bangla), which differs from the languages of eastern India in 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 population of the country considers itself the only nation on Earth that went to war only to preserve its language.

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

Religion: Islam (89.8 per cent), Hinduism (9.1 per cent), 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 country's extreme poverty rate (citizens earn less than $1.9 per day) is projected to rise to 5.2% in 2024 from 4.9% the previous year. The moderate poverty rate (citizens receive just over $3.6 per day) is 40%.

To earn a livelihood, Bangladeshis, including children, work in textile and brick factories. More than 40% of working children in Bangladesh live below the poverty line, 25% of 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 per cent.

Mentality

Until 1947, the territory of Bangladesh was part of British India and was under British colonial rule, which left a noticeable 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 are all considered unfavourable signs to start a journey or a new business.

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

Respect for elders is widespread. They are given the privilege of being the first to start and lead any action. They often act as counsellors in various situations and 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. 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 most of the population, is quite high.

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

Internet Availability

As of 2023, Bangladesh has more than 70 million internet users.

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

The average speed of mobile internet connection was 13.95 Mbps.

Devices usage rate:

• Mobile - 80.22% (Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Realme, Oppo). iPhone is used by 3% of Bangladeshis.
• desktop - 17.42%
• tablet - 2.36%

Popular web apps are Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn.

In 2023, Facebook has 43.25 million users, YouTube has 34.4 million users, and Instagram has 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 type of stick fighting), Kabaddi (a team sport combining wrestling and rugby) are common in rural areas. Volleyball, hockey, handball, golf and badminton are among city dwellers.

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