Nepal has moved against the country’s offshore betting market, blocking more than 200 gambling apps and websites as authorities launch a nationwide push to shut down illegal online betting.
The crackdown follows a government order instructing internet providers to restrict access to gambling platforms. The Nepal Telecommunications Authority worked with local ISPs to identify and block the targeted services within 24 hours.
Among the platforms affected are major international betting brands including Mostbet, 1xBet, Megapari, 22Bet, Parimatch and Betwinner.
A rapid response from regulators
The blocking operation forms part of a 100-point Governance Reform Action Plan approved during the first Cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah.
The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology was tasked with immediately enforcing the measures, while the telecommunications regulator was given responsibility for identifying and restricting access to illegal platforms.
But Nepal’s authorities are making it clear that the campaign will not stop at website blocking.
Officials have also called for monitoring of online activity and action against individuals and networks involved in promoting or facilitating illegal betting.
Betting was already illegal
Nepal is not introducing a new gambling ban. Online betting was already prohibited under the country’s existing criminal and advertising legislation.
Authorities are instead stepping up enforcement against a market that had continued to operate through offshore platforms despite the restrictions.
Those found participating in, promoting or facilitating illegal betting can face fines, imprisonment of up to one year and asset confiscation, according to the government.
The public has also been encouraged to report illegal betting activity, while users have been warned against attempting to bypass restrictions through VPNs or other methods.
Offshore operators built a sizeable audience
Despite the legal restrictions, international betting platforms had remained widely accessible to Nepali users, offering sports betting, casino games, live betting and virtual gaming.
Cricket and football were particularly popular, while digital payment methods and international cards made it relatively easy for users to fund betting accounts.
Authorities have also raised concerns over the role of social media influencers and online advertising, which helped expose younger audiences to offshore gambling platforms.
The risks went beyond gambling losses. With operators based outside Nepal, users had little regulatory protection when accounts were frozen or disputes over withdrawals and winnings emerged.
Officials have additionally linked the unregulated market to concerns around illicit financial flows and potential money laundering.
The real test starts now
Blocking more than 200 platforms represents a major first step, but Nepal now faces the challenge of keeping the market from simply moving elsewhere online.
Authorities will need to target not only betting websites and apps, but also the payment channels, advertising networks and promotional activity that keep illegal platforms accessible.
For now, Nepal has drawn a clear line: offshore betting operators that have continued serving local users despite the country’s gambling restrictions are facing a much tougher regulatory environment.