Nepal’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has ordered the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to block all online betting applications within 24 hours, according to reports.
The directive was issued during a meeting chaired by Communications and Information Technology Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina. The telecom regulator immediately began coordinating with internet service providers to restrict access to identified betting platforms.
The decision follows a cabinet resolution to shut down online betting apps nationwide. Authorities said the move aims to curb illegal financial transactions and prevent capital flight. Ministry spokesperson Uday Bahadur Ranamagar stated that operating, facilitating, or advertising betting activities violates Nepal’s Criminal Code 2074 and the Advertisement Regulation Act.
Under existing laws, individuals caught using unauthorized betting platforms could face confiscation of funds, imprisonment of up to one year and fines of up to RS 10,000. Officials urged the public to refrain from accessing such platforms and encouraged citizens to report ongoing betting activities to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority.
Assistant Spokesperson Dr. Pradip Paudyal confirmed that operators had been instructed to comply immediately. The swift implementation signals a tougher regulatory stance under the current administration, which has pledged to strengthen governance through a 100-point reform agenda.
In the same meeting, Minister Timilsina instructed senior officials to prepare action plans aimed at improving public service delivery through digital governance and enhanced data management systems. He emphasized the need to maximize available resources to deliver prompt and effective services.
The rapid enforcement reflects the government’s commitment to accelerating regulatory action and tightening oversight of online gambling activities
