Declaring gambling illegal across the country, the High Court today directed the government to stop any game which is played in exchange of money and involves luck or chance.

The HC also directed law enforcers to immediately take steps to seize all kinds of equipment used for gambling across the country, including in clubs.

While delivering verdict on a writ petition, the court observed that the Public Gambling Act, 1867 needs to be updated and the punishment for gambling should be enhanced.

The gambling act has been applicable outside the metropolitan areas, but the law could not be enforced in Dhaka city.

The maximum punishment under this law is three months’ jail and a fine of BDT 200 and therefore the punishment should be enhanced for committing the offence, the judges observed.

The HC bench of Justice Sheikh Hassan Arif and Justice Md Mahmudul Hasan Talukdar came up with the verdict after holding hearing on a writ petition filed by two SC lawyers, Samiul Huq and Rokonuddin MD Faruk seeking necessary orders.