The current government of Nepal, led by Balen Shah, has declared that all betting apps and websites are illegal in Nepal. And in the latest development, the government has directed the Nepal Telecommunication Authority to shut down all the betting platforms from the Nepali internet space in 24 hours in coordination with telcos and internet service providers (ISPs).
The decision to immediately close all the betting apps and websites was made in a ministerial decision on 2082/12/15. The decision on curbing betting platforms is listed at 42 of the delivery-based lists of government plans. The communication ministry has shared that it has shut down already identified betting platforms.
Sub-section (4) of Section 125 of the National Pen (Code) Act, 2017 holds that no one shall engage in betting and anyone found in the act of it may be subject to imprisonment for up to 1 year and a fine of up to 10,000 with the confiscation of the amount used in the offence as per Sub-section (6) of the same section.
Nepal government bans betting apps and websites
The communication ministry has strongly issued that no betting apps or related websites should be in operation in Nepal. It has also warned to take strict action if any individual or group violates this ruling.
The ministry has also requested that anyone with knowledge of the operation of betting platforms inform the authority via phone and email.
| Report betting engagements | Details |
| Phone | 9851153793 |
| splamichhane@nta.gov.np |
The government has never favored betting platforms in Nepal. The previous governments had also treated it with scrutiny. The current government, though, has strictly told the authority to coordinate with telecom service providers to close down the platforms. If it goes into effect, betting platforms such as 1xBet and others will suffer in their operation.
Speaking of involvement, by demographics, the youth are more aking to being on betting platforms. Either for risk-taking or serious desires to earn big, many enter the betting space. It’s common to hear some losing an exorbitant amount of money in it while some report of beign completed swindled. Therefore, the decision to close betting platforms in Nepal is also to minimize scams and prevent financial impairments on potential bettors.
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