Key Moments:
- Bangladesh’s National Cyber Security Agency has issued a legal notice to ESPN for displaying betting-related ads on ESPNcricinfo.
- The agency alleges the company generated advertising revenue from Bangladeshi users without licenses or paying required taxes.
- Non-compliance may result in ESPNcricinfo being blocked under the country’s new Cyber Security Ordinance 2025.
Legal Action Against ESPNcricinfo
Bangladesh’s National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) formally addressed ESPN over online gambling ads and tax discrepancies on its ESPNcricinfo platform. The NCSA’s notice, sent to ESPN’s UK legal team, cites violations of Bangladeshi advertising and financial reporting laws.
Concerns Over Digital Advertising and Revenue
The legal notice asserts that ESPNcricinfo presented content promoting online gambling, which is strictly forbidden under Bangladeshi law. Further allegations include the generation of ad revenue from Bangladeshi users without obtaining necessary licenses or fulfilling tax obligations. The NCSA asked ESPN to outline its advertising and revenue from Bangladesh and to confirm receipt of the notice in writing. The agency also demanded that ESPN remove any betting-related content accessible in Bangladesh.
Potential Consequences for Non-Compliance
The NCSA has warned that if ESPN fails to meet these demands, ESPNcricinfo could face blockage or operational bans in Bangladesh. The notice refers to the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025, which replaced the nation’s previous Cyber Security Act 2023 in May. The updated legislation extends governmental powers to counter cyber offenses, including the online promotion of gambling, and grants authority for more stringent monitoring of foreign entities targeting Bangladeshi users.
Context: Crackdown on Illegal Online Gambling
This enforcement action comes amid a broader government initiative to combat illicit gambling and betting content online. A national campaign launched earlier this year has emphasized stricter regulation of digital platforms, with particular focus on operators—both local and international—who are not in compliance with the new ordinance.
Ongoing Debate Over Cyber Laws
Online gambling generally remains illegal in Bangladesh outside of lottery offerings. Nonetheless, recent and previous cyber security statutes have drawn criticism. Civil rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and Article 19, argue that earlier laws—including the Digital Security Act 2018 and the Cyber Security Act 2023—were used to suppress dissent and limit freedom of expression. While the new ordinance has removed some contentious elements, critics maintain that the government’s broad powers to block content and penalize companies persist, frequently without sufficient judicial oversight.
Global Implications Amid ESPN Expansion
The NCSA’s action against ESPNcricinfo is poised to attract global scrutiny, especially as the boundaries of regulatory compliance in cross-border digital advertising become more complex. Analysts suggest that digital publishers and streaming companies are likely to face closer examination in Bangladesh and similar jurisdictions with advertising regulations that contrast sharply with Western standards.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Notice Issued | NCSA sent a notice to ESPN’s London legal team referencing gambling ads and tax issues. |
| Relevant Legislation | Cyber Security Ordinance 2025, which expanded government cyber oversight. |
| Potential Outcome | Possible blocking or banning of ESPNcricinfo in Bangladesh if non-compliance persists. |
Recent Developments in ESPN’s Betting Business
The case arises as ESPN expands its betting-related ventures globally. Earlier this year, ESPN Bet made its debut in Washington DC through a partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment, marking the operator’s entry into its 18th US jurisdiction. Additionally, new player protection initiatives and policy changes, such as an “injury assurance” program and a $1 minimum wager policy in Illinois, have been introduced.
Industry Events on the Horizon
Looking ahead, the industry’s attention will turn to SiGMA Central Europe in Rome, taking place from November 3 to November 6, 2025, at Fiera Roma. With an expected 30,000 delegates, over 1,000 exhibitors, and more than 550 expert speakers, this event is positioned as a pivotal gathering for leaders driving innovation and shaping the future of gaming and digital markets.
- Author
Daniel Williams
