NCSA Issues Legal Notice to ESPN Due to Non-Compliance with Regulations

Bangladesh’s National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) has issued a legal notice to ESPN Sports Media Group Ltd, the parent company of ESPNcricinfo. The company allegedly violated Bangladesh’s Cyber Safety Ordinance 2025 and is non-compliant with tax laws and gambling advertisements.

NCSA Warns ESPN About Various Breaches

In the letter, the NCSA accused ESPNcricinfo of displaying and promoting advertisements related to online betting, gambling, and associated platforms, which are strictly prohibited under Bangladeshi law. The agency reminded ESPN that under the ordinance, any dissemination, promotion, or facilitation of online betting, gambling, or pornographic material constitutes an offense punishable under Bangladeshi law. It added that any advertisement, sponsored content, or affiliate promotion of such nature is deemed unlawful within Bangladesh.

Apart from the alleged violations related to gambling promotion, the notice also accused ESPNcricinfo of generating advertising revenue in Bangladesh without proper registration or tax payment. The NCSA claimed that the platform failed to declare or pay applicable taxes and value-added tax (VAT), as required by relevant laws.

The agency urged ESPNcricinfo to take immediate corrective action and to cease and remove all advertisements, promotional materials, or affiliate links related to betting, gambling, or similar prohibited content. It also asked the company to confirm in writing, within seven working days of receiving the notice, that the platform will fully comply with the applicable laws of Bangladesh.

Additionally, ESPN was asked to provide details of its advertising and revenue operations within Bangladesh to ensure tax and VAT compliance with the National Board of Revenue. The NCSA warned that failure to comply within the stipulated period could lead to ESPNcricinfo being blocked in Bangladesh.

What’s the State of Gambling in Bangladesh?

The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is the main legal framework regulating gambling in Bangladesh. However, since it was enacted before the internet era, it does not address the specificities of online gambling, leading to uncertainties about its legality.

Without clear regulations for online platforms, both authorities and citizens are unclear about the legal status of online gambling. As a result, the internet has become a hotspot for unregulated gambling activities in Bangladesh, with minimal oversight. This situation has raised concerns about potential financial risks, addiction, and the possibility of criminal involvement.

Online sports betting in Bangladesh saw a significant surge following the 2012 Bangladesh Premier League tournament. Events like the BPL, IPL, La Liga, and the Premier League have also attracted considerable gambling interest. Reports indicate that a large number of teenagers, particularly from rural areas, have developed gambling addictions, often after being exposed to gambling sites through advertisements on Facebook and YouTube.

Until there’s a firm regulatory framework for online gambling, it will remain a gray area in the country.