President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has submitted a proposal to the Parliament to make gambling and operating gambling establishments criminal offences in the Maldives.

In a post on X, the President confirmed that an amendment to the Penal Code had been sent to parliament, though no further details of the bill have yet been released. The Majlis is currently in recess, and the proposal is expected to be taken up during the first session next year.

Gambling activity, particularly through online platforms, has risen sharply in recent years. Promotions for gambling websites have also become increasingly common on social media, prompting calls for stronger regulation.