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Digital security cell of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has recently blocked 331 online betting web sites as part of their regular monitoring activity, according to a BTRC press release.

The commission also asked the international technology companies like Google search engine, Facebook and YouTube to crack down on 246 more applications and links related to online gambling or betting.

Among 150 Google apps, the Play Store authorities have closed 14 gambling-related apps from the Play Store and the necessary steps have been taken to close the rest of the 136 apps, the press release said.

Following a request made by the BTRC, Facebook and YouTube have also blocked 17 gambling links each after the request for closing a total of 96 links-related to online gambling.

According to the rules of the applications, cash, credit or debit card are required to buy game chips.

With the availability of credit or debit cards, many have turned to online gambling.

Some criminal gangs are exploiting this opportunity to smuggle crores of taka out of the country, the BTRC said in the press release.

Apart from mobile apps, criminals also participate in online games or gambling directly through various web sites or domains and for this purpose they firstly require opening and registering accounts through various web sites hosted in the country and abroad.

Then one has to participate in gambling by depositing a certain amount of money through a local or internationally acceptable card or any other means.

The release said that online gamblers exchanged money in various mobile banking services.

Despite being banned in the country, illegal online gambling or betting is being done every moment around different league matches including domestic and international football, cricket and tennis games through various web sites and apps.

Although the rate has been reduced publicly due to a continued crackdown by the law enforcement agencies, the online game continues to grow and young people are addicted to it.

This monitoring activity of the BTRC on online gambling or betting web sites will continue and necessary steps will be taken to stop online betting.