Nepal has taken steps to eliminate the online gambling market, estimated at $100-200 million annually, by ordering the complete shutdown of all gambling apps and websites within 24 hours, as part of its "100-Point Governance Reform Agenda." This measure, specifically point 42, mandates the immediate blocking of all digital platforms related to gambling, marking a shift towards full state control.
The directive is being implemented by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, headed by Dr. Bikram Timilsina, through the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA). His spokesperson, Min Prasad Aryal, confirmed that internet service providers have been instructed to block domains, IP addresses, and access to all gambling platforms, and that the measure is already being implemented.
The legal basis is clear. Online gambling is prohibited by Nepal's Penal Code (Article 2074), which criminalizes gambling activities, in addition to the restrictions imposed by the Advertising Regulation Act, which regulates the promotion of and access to gambling. Authorities had previously identified more than 200 gambling websites, and at least 16 platforms were blocked immediately after the order.
The government argues that the sector contributes to capital flight, financial instability, and social risks, justifying urgent intervention. Despite its size, the market operated primarily through offshore platforms, outside of direct regulatory control.
The consequences are immediate: the elimination of the online gambling ecosystem in Nepal's digital space, while land-based casinos remain untouched. Instead of regulating the sector, Nepal has opted for a total ban, redefining its gambling landscape through law enforcement and control.
