The government has submitted an amendment to the Penal Code designating gambling and operating gambling establishments as criminal offenses, with penalties ranging from one to four years imprisonment.

The amendment, proposed by PNC Member Ahmed Azan Marzooq from Hithadhoo Medhu constituency, is scheduled for consideration in tomorrow’s People’s Majlis session out of regular order.

The amendment provides detailed definitions of what constitutes gambling and what does not. Online gambling operations are also covered under this bill.

According to the amendment, the following are not considered gambling: participating in competitions for recreational or sporting purposes to win prizes, and conducting lucky draws where prizes are given without requiring payment.

The basic penalty for gambling is one year, seven months, and six days imprisonment. The maximum penalty is four years imprisonment.

As gambling in the Maldives has increased—particularly online gambling—causing financial losses, and with the Penal Code previously having no prescribed penalty for gambling, many people have recently expressed concern about this issue.