KATHMANDU: More than 7,000 apps and websites related to online betting have been shut down by the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA).
In line with the government’s governance reform initiatives, the NTA coordinated with internet service providers to identify and close illegal betting platforms.
Deputy Director Surya Prasad Lamichhane stated that internet service providers were instructed to locate and shut down illegally operating betting apps and websites.
“So far, more than 7,000 URLs and apps have been closed. In the past week, the Authority received over 50 complaints regarding online betting through phone, email, and messages, and action has been taken on all of them,” he said.
The shutdown follows the Council of Ministers’ approval of 100 action items on governance reforms on Chaitra 13, with item 42 mandating that betting apps and websites be closed within 24 hours.
Under Sub-section (4) of Section 125 of the Criminal Code, 2074, betting or facilitating betting is prohibited. Violations can lead to confiscation of the betting amount, up to one year in prison, and fines of up to Rs 10,000.
Similarly, the Advertisement (Regulation) Act, 2066, bans advertisements promoting gambling or unlicensed lottery tickets, with penalties of up to one year imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000.
The government has urged the public not to use or operate betting apps and warned that strict action will be taken against violators. People are also encouraged to report any suspicious apps or websites to the authorities.
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