Nepal has carried out a sweeping crackdown on online gambling, shutting down more than 7,000 betting-related apps and websites in a nationwide enforcement drive. The move follows a cabinet-backed governance reform agenda and marks the most extensive action taken against digital betting platforms in the country to date, according to the News On Air.
Government orders rapid enforcement
Recently in March, Nepal’s telecommunications regulator instructed all internet service providers to block access to betting apps and related websites with immediate effect. The directive came after the Council of Ministers approved a 100 point governance reform plan on 27 March. One of the key measures required authorities to eliminate all online betting platforms within 24 hours.
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority worked closely with service providers to identify and disable illegal platforms. Officials confirmed that all known betting apps and websites have now been blocked. The regulator has also asked the public to report any remaining platforms that continue to operate despite the ban.
Thousands of platforms taken offline
According to the News On Air, authorities reported that more than 7,000 gambling-related platforms were identified and shut down during the operation. In the past week alone, the regulator received over 50 complaints through phone calls, emails, and messages about online betting services.
The scale of the crackdown reflects a shift from earlier enforcement efforts, which focused on individual platforms. This time, the action targeted all forms of online betting accessible within Nepal, regardless of their origin.
Existing laws now strictly enforced
Nepal’s legal position on gambling has not changed. Betting and gambling have been prohibited under the Muluki Criminal Code 2074, introduced in 2017. The law clearly states that no individual is allowed to engage in betting or encourage others to do so.
Violations can lead to confiscation of the stake amount, imprisonment of up to one year, and a fine of up to NPR 10,000 ($67.3). In addition, the Advertisement Regulation Act 2066 bans the promotion of gambling activities, with similar penalties for those found advertising or encouraging betting.
In previous years, authorities had taken selective action against foreign betting websites. These actions were often carried out through court orders under the Telecommunications Act 1997. However, enforcement remained limited in scope.
Shift from selective to blanket action
The latest crackdown represents a clear escalation in enforcement. Instead of targeting specific platforms, the government has moved to block all betting-related services across the digital ecosystem. This includes mobile applications, websites, and any other electronic means used to facilitate gambling.
Officials stated that this approach aims to close enforcement gaps that allowed offshore operators to continue serving users in Nepal. Despite the strict legal ban, many international platforms had remained accessible until now.
No regulatory framework for operators
Nepal does not have a licensing system for online gambling. The country has not introduced any regulatory framework or consultation process that would allow operators to enter the market legally. As a result, all forms of online betting remain prohibited without exception.
International licensing bodies have also not issued specific guidance regarding Nepal. The absence of such guidance does not provide legal protection to operators offering services to Nepali users.
Increased risk for offshore operators
With the new enforcement measures in place, offshore operators face direct legal exposure under Nepalese law. There are no compliance exemptions available, either locally or through international licensing authorities.
The government’s latest action signals a firm stance on digital gambling. By combining legal provisions with strict enforcement, Nepal has moved to eliminate online betting access across the country.
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