Bill Criminalizing Gambling with Up to Four Years in Prison Sent to Committee for Review

The Maldives Parliament has accepted a government-backed amendment to the Penal Code aimed at criminalizing gambling and the operation of gambling establishments. The bill, introduced by Central Hithadhoo MP Ahmed Azaan Marzooq, proposes prison sentences ranging from one to four years for such crimes. It was unanimously approved by 50 lawmakers during an extraordinary sitting and forwarded to a relevant committee for review. Under the proposed legislation, gambling or operating a gambling establishment will be classified as a fourth-degree felony, with penalties from one year and seven months to four years in prison. The bill defines gambling, outlines exemptions, and clarifies 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 offense. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced the government's decision to criminalize gambling on December 10th, citing growing public concern over online betting platforms and illegal gambling networks. Despite an increase in gambling activities in recent years, the current Penal Code does not criminalize gambling or the operation of gambling establishments. Authorities have previously blocked betting websites to combat the issue.