The government has proposed an amendment to the Maldives Penal Code Act to criminalise gambling and operating gambling establishments.
The amendment was submitted to the Parliament on behalf of the government by Member of Parliament Ahmed Azaan Marzooq.
According to the bill, gambling and operating gambling establishments would be classified as fourth-degree criminal offences. The punishment would range from a minimum of four months in prison to a maximum of four years, depending on the severity of the offence.
The bill clearly defines gambling to include betting on future outcomes, including online and electronic gambling, while clarifying that certain prize-based entertainment activities are not treated as gambling under the law.
The first reading of the bill will be held at a special parliamentary sitting scheduled for 5 January.