Nepal has shut down more than 10,000 online betting applications and websites as part of a crackdown on illegal digital gambling activities.
According to Nepal Telecommunications Authority Deputy Director Surya Prasad Lamichhane, authorities identified and blocked apps and URLs that were operating unlawfully. Internet service providers have reported disabling over 10,000 such platforms so far.
Among them, Nepal Telecom alone has blocked more than 21,000 apps and websites. Officials say the process of identifying and shutting down such platforms is ongoing.
The action follows the government’s governance reform agenda. A Cabinet meeting on March 26 (Chaitra 13) approved a 100-point reform plan, which includes a provision requiring betting-related apps and websites to be blocked within 24 hours.
Subsequently, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology issued directives to the telecom authority on March 28 (Chaitra 15), prompting coordinated action with internet service providers to immediately disable identified platforms.
Under Nepal’s National Penal Code 2017, betting is strictly prohibited. Violators may face confiscation of funds, up to one year in imprisonment, and fines of up to Rs. 10,000. Similarly, the Advertisement Regulation Act 2008 bans promotions encouraging gambling or unauthorized lottery activities, with comparable penalties for violations.
The government has urged the public not to use or operate such illegal platforms and warned that strict legal action will be taken against offenders. Authorities have also called on citizens to remain vigilant, avoid suspicious digital activities, and report any such apps or websites to the concerned agencies.
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