Government proposes Penal Code amendment to criminalise gambling with one to four years in prison

The government has proposed an amendment to the Penal Code to criminalise gambling and the operation of gambling establishments, introducing prison sentences ranging from one to four years. The amendment will be tabled during Monday’s extraordinary sitting of Parliament.

The bill is being moved by PNC MP Ahmed Azaan Marzooq on behalf of the government. According to the proposal, gambling or operating a gambling establishment would be classified as a fourth‑degree felony, with a basic sentence of one year, seven months and six days, and a maximum penalty of four years in prison.

The amendment also defines what constitutes gambling and clarifies exemptions. It states that participating in tournaments organised for entertainment or sporting purposes, including events that award cash or valuable prizes, will not be considered gambling.

Online gambling is explicitly included in the list of offences.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu first announced on December 10 that the government had submitted a bill to amend the Penal Code to criminalise gambling and related activities. The move follows growing public concern over the rise of online betting platforms and illegal gambling networks in the Maldives.

Although gambling has been increasing in recent years, the current Penal Code does not contain provisions that criminalise gambling or operating gambling establishments. Authorities have previously blocked access to betting sites in an effort to curb the practice.