An initiative has been launched to block betting sites from the Maldives.

Police Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police Mohamed Shifan told Sun that the Police have lodged a request with the Communication Authority of Maldives (CAM) to block four betting sites after taking note of their usage in the Maldives.

“We have requested CAM to block three to four sites as of present,” he said.

Shifan noted that one site has already been blocked – which he identified as ‘Kira.com’.

Betting for financial gains has become highly common in the Maldives, with many youths participating in sports betting.

Links for various betting and gambling sites are circulated via social media and Telegram.

Games involving bets and gambling are barred under the Islamic religion.