Nepal is witnessing a notable surge in online betting activity, driven largely by a wave of foreign apps that have entered the market in recent months. This shift appears to be a direct consequence of India’s decision to outlaw online gambling, prompting both operators and users to shift their activities across borders. Platforms such as Khalti88, IME88, JW8 Nepal, and JayaBazi Online Casino are aggressively targeting Nepali users through localized advertising campaigns, influencer partnerships, and sign-up incentives. Despite Nepal’s strict prohibition on gambling for its citizens and clear laws restricting the promotion of such activities, these platforms continue to operate openly on major digital channels.
Experts attribute this expansion to gaps in Nepal’s cyber regulations, particularly concerning online gambling and digital payment oversight. Reports indicate that some platforms may be using local banking channels, taking advantage of limited monitoring and insufficient legal provisions governing online transactions. Law-enforcement officials acknowledge these challenges, noting that enforcement is reactive and often constrained by technological limitations.
At the same time, Nepal is taking steps to strengthen regulatory oversight in its land-based casino industry. The newly introduced Casino Regulation 2080 BS replaces the older framework and introduces higher capital requirements, comprehensive surveillance systems, and stricter KYC and AML compliance. A separate Anti-Money Laundering Directive issued in 2025 mandates reporting for high-value transactions within casinos. However, these reforms do not extend to online gambling, leaving a regulatory void that foreign operators are currently exploiting.
The rapid expansion of these platforms highlights the need for updated online gambling legislation, stronger digital monitoring, and coordinated regional enforcement to address the growing cross-border betting ecosystem.
