President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced the decision to submit a bill to Parliament to amend the Penal Code and classify gambling and the operation of gambling establishments as criminal offences.

In a post on X, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced that the Government has submitted a Penal Code amendment to criminalise gambling and the operation of gambling establishments.

Gambling involves staking money on games in which the winner or winning team receives all or part of the amounts wagered. In addition to being prohibited under Islamic law, gambling is widely recognised as a harmful and addictive practice that can lead to significant social and financial consequences.