Key Moments:
- Multiple overseas gambling platforms have launched targeted campaigns aimed at Nepali users after India’s online betting ban.
- Operators rely on gaps in Nepal’s digital payment oversight and limited cyber regulation to operate domestically.
- New casino laws require higher capital, advanced security, and increased transparency for land-based operations.
Online Gambling Platforms Target Nepali Market
In the wake of India’s recent crackdown on online gambling, a surge of foreign betting applications has entered Nepal, operating openly despite stringent national prohibitions. These operators are attracting local users through Nepali-language advertisements, deploying local influencers, and offering cash sign-up incentives. They are able to function largely due to insufficient oversight of digital transactions and weaknesses in cyber regulations, according to law enforcement and digital rights observers.
Several operators have intensified their online marketing toward users in Nepal. Khalti88, which manages the K88 platform and is reportedly incorporated in Curaçao, stands out for its high-profile campaigns, including social media ads featuring Nepali-language promoters and generous sign-up bonuses. IME88 has branded itself on Instagram as “Nepal’s best gaming app,” using influencer-driven videos to encourage sports betting and referral bonuses. Other brands, such as JW8 Nepal and JayaBazi Online Casino, have been advertising via Instagram and TikTok.
These services appear to utilize Nepali banking channels for both deposits and withdrawals, a strategy made possible by limited regulatory supervision and a lack of explicit legal boundaries for online gambling.
Gambling Prohibited but Enforcement Remains Weak
All forms of gambling are banned in Nepal except in licensed casinos, which admit only foreign nationals. Article 125 (2)(5) of the National Penal Code criminalizes gambling without government authorization, while Section 5(b) of the Advertising (Regulation) Act 2019 allows fines for promoting illicit content, including gambling.
Despite these laws, advertisements for online gambling continue to surface on major social platforms. While authorities report responding to complaints, they acknowledge struggles in keeping pace with the rapid development of online channels and the limitations of existing regulatory frameworks.
Analysts and government officials suggest the influx of gambling operations and users into Nepal is tied to India’s full-scale ban, noting Nepal’s relatively less restrictive environment and more accessible digital payments infrastructure.
Recent Legal Reforms Bring Stricter Casino Standards
To address gaps in oversight, the Nepalese government has moved to bolster control in the gambling sector, especially among land-based casinos, through new regulations.
Casino Regulation 2080 BS Overview
- The Casino Regulation 2080 BS replaces the 2013 framework to enhance operational clarity and accountability.
- Large casinos are now required to maintain a minimum paid-up capital of NPR 300 million ($2.17 million), while smaller establishments need NPR 200 million ($1.44 million).
- Operators must implement continuous CCTV monitoring, biometric entry verification, and robust Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) processes.
- Licenses are limited to one per company and per hotel or resort, regardless of property size.
- Casinos must be within a 5-kilometer radius of border areas and obtain stringent security clearances.
- Two percent of net profits are to be directed to corporate social responsibility projects, supporting education, health, tourism, and environmental sectors.
Anti-Money Laundering Directive (2025)
The Department of Tourism introduced a dedicated anti-money laundering directive in 2025 that applies exclusively to casino operators. Casinos must report individuals who spend NPR 1 million (approximately $7,265) or more in one day. This policy is limited to operators, explicitly excluding banks and other financial institutions.
Summary Table: Key Regulatory Changes
| Regulation | Key Provisions |
|---|---|
| Casino Regulation 2080 BS |
|
| AML Directive (2025) |
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- Author
Daniel Williams
