While searching for “new betting app” on mobile, many find a landing page, login screen, mirror site, or APK download button instead of the app. This confusion Bangladeshis significant because examples of redirects to betting pages from some domains linked to government websites have emerged in the investigation by Dismislab published in Prothom Alo. Additionally, reports published in New Age quote officials mentioning frequent website changes and the use of VPNs to access blocked sites.
Therefore, it is not correct to directly assume that the term “new app” refers to a new service. It is more important to distinguish what is opening in front of you on mobile—store page, browser page, direct APK, or login redirect.
‘Do not assume it is an app just because it says ’new’
In a report by New Age, a BTRC official stated that more than 20,000 gambling and pornographic websites have been blocked. The same report quotes CID officials saying that these networks frequently change websites. In this context, it is not safe to assume that any app seen with the word “new” in the search result is distinct or verified.
Sometimes “new” can mean:
- A new domain for the same service
- A shortcut or landing page for the mobile site
- Just a login page
- An APK link outside the store
- A copycat page imitating a familiar name
When you click the link on mobile, does it take you to the store page, browser landing page, or directly to the APK?
“Do not assume that a button saying ”Download app” will take you to the app store. Generally, this kind of behavior is seen on mobile:
| What you see after clicking the link | What it could mean | What you will see now |
|---|---|---|
| Google Play or App Store has opened | You have been taken to the store listing | Check if the listing, publisher info, and app name/description are visible. |
| The browser has opened a page that says “Install app” | It could also be a mobile site or landing page | Check if the address bar has changed; verify separately if the store is opening |
| A file download prompt has appeared | It wants to download the APK directly | Check if the source is clear without installing the file |
| “Pressing ”Login" opened another page or domain | It could be a redirect or mirror page | Close the sign in and check the URL again |
The difference here is simple:
- mobile site: It opens in the browser, no separate install is needed.
- app: Installation usually starts from the store listing.
- APK: A separate install file for the Android app, which can be downloaded from outside the store.
In the case of APK, the responsibility of verification falls entirely on you. Because what the source is, how updates will come, and what permissions will be requested during installation—these cannot be understood unless you check.
login page, redirect, and fake domain: which signs will you stop at
Prothom Alo highlights information from Dismislab, stating that 3,295 betting pages were found on 11 government website-linked domains, which were redirecting users to betting websites. One thing is clear from this example: you cannot trust just because a page looks familiar or innocent; ultimately, where you end up is what matters.
Especially clicking on direct login results increases this risk. Home page, landing page, mirror login, and redirect page—all of them may look similar.
| Red flags during login or sign in | Why stop |
|---|---|
| The URL suddenly changed | There may be a redirect chain |
| Spelling changes in the domain name, hyphen or extra words | It could be a lookalike or copycat page |
| The APK download prompt appears as soon as the login page opens | This may not be the sign-in page |
| It asks for OTP, wallet PIN, or other additional information along with the password | There may be attempts to collect data beyond necessity |
| Going back may open a new tab, popup, or another page | There may be attempts to forcefully redirect elsewhere |
https Just because there is a padlock icon does not mean the page is trustworthy—this only indicates whether the connection is encrypted; who the page actually belongs to is a separate matter.
Be suspicious of any permissions requested during APK installation
All apps may request some permissions, but there should be a correlation between the permissions and the usage like viewing a page or signing in. Think twice when you see the following permissions:
- SMS access — may create risks related to messages or OTP
- Contacts access — generally not needed for regular login
- Accessibility access — very strong permission; do not grant if unclear
- Install unknown apps / install other apps — could be a step to install another file or app
- Overlay / permission to display over the screen — may create fake prompts or misleading taps
Just because an app asks for permission does not mean it is bad. But the first question is whether the permissions align with the intended use of the app.
Mobile check for 30 seconds before signing in or installing
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Check if clicking the link opens the app store or stays in the browser. If it only shows the browser page without opening the store, do not consider it as an app install step.
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If a file download prompt appears, understand that it may be an APK. Do not install if the source is not clear.
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After clicking login, check if the domain is changing. Especially stop if the sign-in page redirects to another URL.
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Even if there is a store listing, do not be reassured by just that. Check if the listing, publisher info, app name, and description are at least visible.
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Along with the password OTP, do not proceed if asked for a PIN or irrelevant information. Requesting extra data in the name of sign-in is a major warning sign.
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If in doubt, do not install or log in. You can verify later; data entered on the wrong page cannot be retrieved.
What to do if you logged in or installed on the wrong page?
If you later realize you logged in on the wrong page or installed a suspicious APK, do not delay:
- Change the same password if used elsewhere.
- Remove the suspicious APK from your phone.
- Go to settings and disable unusual permissions.
- Check if there are saved passwords in the browser.
- Be aware of any unusual activity in your email or linked account.
Small questions about mobile login, APK, and fake domains
Can we assume it's safe if we see a familiar domain?
No. In Prothom Alo's investigation of Dismislab, there have been examples of redirects from government website-associated domains. So don't trust just because it looks familiar; check the final destination URL.
“Does seeing a button that says ”Download app" mean I will go to the app store?
Definitely not. Sometimes it stays on the browser page, and other times it may start downloading the APK directly. After clicking the link, see what actually opens.
Is it a warning if the login page changes repeatedly?
It's something to be cautious about. Officials quoted in New Age have said that gambling-related networks frequently change websites. So be careful with changing domains, mirror pages, or redirects.
Is there only one thing I should check before installing an APK?
Not one—three: where the source came from, whether it asks for unknown sources during installation, and what permissions the app is requesting.
If the source is not clear, stop here.
The safest decision on mobile is often very simple:
- No install if the store page doesn't open.
- No login if the domain changes.
- No download if the APK prompt appears without knowing the source.
- Don't share if it asks for OTP, PIN, or additional information.
- Don't trust just because it looks familiar.
“A link that says ”new" is not always a new app. Sometimes it's just another browser page, sometimes a login redirect, and sometimes a direct APK. The most cautious steps are not to install, not to log in, and not to share personal information until the source is clear.
