Nepal sees rise in promotion of illegal online gambling apps

There’s reportedly been a rise in gambling-related content on social media, which some are linking to the recent ban on online gambling in India.

Nepal.- Reports suggest there has been a rise in illegal online gambling apps in Nepal. Some say the rise accelerated after India’s ban on online real-money gaming, but it appears that it may have started before that.

It’s been reported that several platforms have launched Nepali-language advertising campaigns on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, often featuring local influencers, Nepali locations and promises of large sign-up bonuses. 

According to sources cited by The Himalayan Times, Nepal’s current legal framework does not clearly address online gambling, leaving gaps in legislation, while there is also limited monitoring of digital transactions.

Gambling in Nepal is unregulated accept in licensed casinos, where only foreigners are allowed to play. Article 125 of the National Penal Code and the Advertising (Regulation) Act of 2019 prohibit gambling without permission with fines for promoting banned content.

Police data shows there was already an increase in online gambling-related arrests, from just 2 cases in 2020/21 to 147 cases in 2023/24, well before India’s ban. Digital Rights Nepal’s executive director, Santosh Sigdel has argued that social media platforms must play a role in monitoring and removing content.

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There’s reportedly been a rise in gambling-related content on social media, which some are linking to the recent ban on online gambling in India. Nepal.- Reports suggest there has been…