KATHMANDU, April 16: More than 10,000 applications and websites related to online betting have been shut down, according to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA).
NTA Deputy Director Surya Prasad Lamichhane said illegal betting apps and URLs were identified and blocked in coordination with internet service providers (ISPs).
“All ISPs have reported that over 10,000 such apps and websites have been blocked so far. Nepal Telecom alone has blocked more than 21,000 entries. The process of identifying and blocking continues,” Lamichhane said.
Over 7,000 online betting apps and websites closed
The move is part of the implementation of the government’s governance reform agenda. The Council of Ministers meeting on March 27 approved a 100-point reform plan, including a provision to block betting-related apps and websites within 24 hours.
Following the decision, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology issued a ministerial directive on March 29 instructing the NTA to take necessary action.
Under Section 125 of the Muluki Criminal Code, 2074, betting is prohibited and punishable by imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to Rs 10,000, along with confiscation of involved funds. Similar provisions exist under the Advertising Regulation Act, 2066, which prohibits promoting gambling or unauthorized lotteries.
Authorities have urged citizens to avoid such illegal digital platforms and warned of strict legal action against violators.
