Is Betting Legal in Nepal? The Law and Its Consequences

Betting is illegal in Nepal. The Muluki Criminal Code 2074 bans gambling and betting for everyone in the country. Since 29 March 2026, the government also orders every betting site and app blocked. Only government-approved lotteries are exempt.

Rajesh Sharma — Betting Apps Specialist

Expert in mobile betting platforms, app analysis, and digital betting solutions.

What the Law Says

Section 125 of the Muluki Criminal Code 2074 states that no person shall gamble or cause gambling. The rule covers players, organisers and agents. It also covers anyone who promotes betting. The Advertising (Regulation) Act adds a separate ban on betting ads.

A foreign licence does not change this. A betting site licensed in Curaçao is still illegal to use from Nepal. Every site in our betting sites in Nepal review holds a foreign licence only.

The March 2026 Betting Site Ban

On 29 March 2026, the government ordered all betting apps and websites shut within 24 hours. The decision came under the Cabinet’s 100-point governance reform agenda. The Nepal Telecommunications Authority and internet providers then blocked more than 7,000 betting platforms.

The Prime Minister’s Office also ordered action against mobile wallets used for betting payments. Any betting site that still reaches Nepali users does so in breach of that order.

Penalties for Betting in Nepal

The government’s statement lists these penalties together, so one case can bring all of them.

Wallets, Banks and Betting Payments

Nepal Rastra Bank has warned since 2022 that it will freeze accounts used for betting. It also instructed banks and wallets to block betting payments. Police trace betting money through bank records. In 2024, one case involved 98 bank accounts and 21 ConnectIPS accounts holding Rs 574.1 million. Our guides to eSewa, Khalti and bank transfer cover the freeze risk for each route.

Accounts opened in other people’s names spread the legal risk. They do not hide it.

Crypto Betting Is a Second Offence

NRB has banned crypto transactions since 2017 and extended the ban in 2022. Penalties reach three years in prison and a fine up to three times the amount. Betting with crypto breaks two laws at once, as our crypto betting sites guide sets out. In August 2026, Kathmandu police arrested three people over betting linked to 79,068 USDT.

Casinos in Nepal

Nepal licenses land casinos, but the Casino Regulation 2013 bars Nepali citizens from entering them. New Casino Regulations followed in 2025, and casinos now need NRB permission for any foreign currency. In November 2025, the Department of Tourism investigated reports of Nepalis inside Bhairahawa casinos. A Tourism Bill with new casino rules is still under debate in 2026.

Recent Betting Arrests in Nepal

Police target players, agents and promoters alike. Several cases followed major cricket and football tournaments.

Is Promoting Betting Sites Illegal?

Yes. The Criminal Code bans causing gambling, and the March 2026 decision names advertising. In 2023, police arrested a well-known actor and seven others for sharing 1xBet promo codes on YouTube. Influencers and agents carry the same risk as operators.

Betting in Nepal — Final Thoughts

Betting in Nepal is illegal for players, agents and promoters. Penalties include confiscation, a fine up to NPR 10,000 and up to one year in prison. Crypto betting adds a second offence with up to three years. Read our responsible gambling page before you consider any betting site, and see where betting is legal for the picture outside Nepal.