Nepal’s telecom regulator has shut down access to all online betting platforms nationwide, following a directive from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. The move, ordered on Sunday with a 24-hour deadline, aligns with Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s sweeping policy reforms after his landslide election victory. This crackdown targets a surge in digital gambling despite longstanding national prohibitions.
New Prime Minister Drives Rapid Reforms
Balendra Shah, a 35-year-old former mayor of Kathmandu and rapper with a massive social media following, secured nearly two-thirds of parliamentary seats on March 5. Sworn in on March 27, he quickly advanced a 100-point agenda emphasizing transparency and accountability. The very next day, authorities arrested his predecessor, KP Sharma Oli, for allegedly approving lethal force against protesters during last September’s “Gen-Z uprising,” where police killed at least 19 demonstrators rallying against corruption and social media restrictions.
Longstanding Gambling Ban Meets Online Challenges
Gambling in all forms remains illegal in Nepal, punishable by fines up to Rs30,000 (about US$300), device confiscation, and imprisonment from three months to one year. Government officials express alarm over rising online betting, particularly its appeal to young people and risks of financial ruin and social disruption. Neighboring India imposed similar restrictions last year, citing parallel concerns over unregulated digital wagering.
Enforcement Through Telecom Infrastructure
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority coordinated with internet service providers to block the targeted apps and sites immediately. The ministry vows strict measures against operators and users alike. As Nepal addresses digital-age vices under Shah’s administration, this ban signals a broader push to safeguard public welfare from unchecked online activities, potentially setting precedents for future regulatory actions.
