Cricket: Bangladesh to install mobile courts to punish gamblers

In an attempt to stop gambling, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), with the help of law enforcing agencies, will introduce mobile courts during the tri-nation ODI series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe starting later this month in Dhaka.

Those caught gambling will be tried by judges at the stadium.

Gambling forbidden in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a long tradition of not gambling, with horse racing being the only exception, amid very tight restrictions.

When caught, bettors usually face heavy fines and in some extreme cases imprisonment.

However, with online gambling the story is very different, as it is more difficult to be spotted. Indeed, until a couple of years ago, there was no specific legislation about it.

Some spectators at games in Bangladesh exploit the brief delay between live play and the official broadcast of results to quickly place bets.

During the last Twenty20 Premier League tournament, Bangladesh saw 80 spectators thrown out of the stadium for betting on their phones.

"We are taking some extra precaution [against preventing gambling and betting at venue] and had completed the required formalities regarding implementing it with concerned authorities," BCB chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury told reporters on Sunday.

"In the inter-ministerial co-ordination meeting for the upcoming international matches at home.

"There is a plan of setting up mobile court in the venue by the government as it was decided that provision of implementing 'magistracy power' will be introduced during the series.'

The tri-series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will commence on 15 January at the Sher-e Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.