Nepal Shuts Down Over 10,000 Illegal Betting Apps and Websites

Kathmandu. More than 10,000 applications (apps) and websites (URLs) related to online betting have been shut down. According to Surya Prasad Lamichhane, Deputy Director of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, illegal betting apps and websites have been identified and blocked.

“Most internet service providers have reported that they have already blocked over 10,000 such apps and websites. Nepal Telecom has blocked the highest number, exceeding 21,000, and the process of identifying and blocking such apps and websites is ongoing,” said Lamichhane. 

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority took this action in coordination with internet service providers as part of the implementation of the government's governance reform decisions. Among the 100 agendas for governance reform approved by the Cabinet meeting on Chaitra 13, point number 42 mandates the closure of betting-related apps and websites within 24 hours.

Following this decision, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology issued necessary directives to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority at the ministerial level on Chaitra 15. Following the directive, the Authority, in coordination with internet service providers, stated that all identified betting-related apps and websites operating electronically have been immediately shut down.

According to Section 125, Sub-section (4) of the National Penal (Code) Act, 2074, no one is allowed to engage in or facilitate betting. Violating this provision can lead to the confiscation of the amount used, imprisonment for up to one year, and a fine of up to Rs 10,000, as per Sub-section (6) of the same section.

Similarly, the Advertisement (Regulation) Act, 2076, also prohibits advertisements that encourage gambling or the buying and selling of unauthorized lotteries. Committing such offenses is punishable under prevailing laws, or otherwise carries a penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to Rs 10,000.

The government has urged the public across Nepal not to use or operate betting apps and websites. Furthermore, it has warned that anyone found operating or using such activities unauthorizedly will face strict legal action from the relevant authorities.

The Authority has urged citizens to remain vigilant, stay away from such illegal digital activities, and report any suspicious apps or websites to the relevant authorities.