Nepal shuts down online gaming industry
Summary
The Nepal Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT) ordered the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) to close all betting apps and websites within 24 hours. The NTA coordinated with internet service providers to block access. The move is part of prime minister Balendra Shah’s 100-point reform agenda after his election in March 2026.
Key Points
- MoCIT directed the NTA to disable all online betting apps and websites within 24 hours; ISPs have been asked to block access.
- The ban is part of new PM Balendra Shah’s reform package; Shah took office late March after winning a large majority.
- Gambling is already illegal in Nepal; penalties include fines (Rs30,000), device forfeiture and jail terms of three months to one year.
- The government cited growing social and financial harms from online betting, particularly among young people; India implemented a similar ban last year.
- MoCIT has warned of strict action against anyone using or operating unauthorised betting platforms.
Content Summary
The Nepalese government has moved swiftly to enforce an immediate ban on online gambling platforms following instructions from MoCIT to the NTA. The authority has worked with internet providers to block access to betting sites and apps. The policy forms part of a broader set of reforms under newly inaugurated prime minister Balendra Shah, who campaigned on transparency and change. The ban follows longstanding legal prohibition of gambling in Nepal and responds to concerns about the rapid growth of online betting and its impact on young users.
Penalty details remain those already on the statute books: fines of around Rs30,000, confiscation of devices and potential jail time. The government has promised enforcement against both operators and users of unauthorised platforms.
Context and relevance
This is a significant regulatory development for operators, affiliates, payment processors, ad networks and compliance teams active in South Asia. It signals continued regulatory tightening in the region — India has taken similar steps — and highlights political willingness to prioritise social concerns over industry growth. For companies operating remotely or via VPNs, enforcement via ISPs and telecom regulators raises questions about market access and compliance risk.
Author style
Punchy: this is a short, decisive policy move with immediate operational consequences. If you work in iGaming or adjacent services, you need to read the full detail and reassess any exposure to Nepal quickly.
Why should I read this?
Because it affects market access overnight. If you run or partner with gambling platforms, handle payments, advertising or customer acquisition in South Asia, this isn’t just background noise — it could mean blocked traffic, lost revenues and fresh compliance obligations. We’ve done the skim for you: this explains what changed, why and what to watch next.
Source
Source: https://igamingbusiness.com/gaming/nepal-shuts-down-online-gaming-industry/