Nepal struggles with illegal betting ads on social media
Despite a clear legal ban on gambling and online betting, social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram continue to show ads promoting illegal betting services to users in Nepal. This has raised serious concerns about weak enforcement, growing financial harm, and lack of protection for vulnerable users.
Nepal’s Muluki Criminal Code 2017 criminalises all forms of gambling under Section 125. The Advertisement (Regulation) Act 2019 also clearly states that gambling or lottery promotions cannot be published, broadcast, or shown in any media. However, these laws are not stopping online platforms from displaying betting-related ads.
Facebook and Instagram show betting ads to Nepali users
Reports show that at least 15 out of every 100 Nepali Facebook users saw ads for online gambling or offshore betting apps in the last year. These ads often feature local influencers or use indirect branding to avoid being flagged.
Speaking to local media, an engineering student in Kathmandu shared his experience: “It started with football highlights and then suddenly betting links started showing up in between. My friends were also betting, and it felt like everyone was doing it.”
Nepal Police and the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) have taken some action, including blocking websites and arresting local promoters. However, officials say they cannot control what foreign platforms like Facebook and Instagram show.
A Cyber Bureau spokesperson said: “Our jurisdiction ends where the platform’s responsibility begins. We can arrest domestic promoters, but not control what Facebook or Instagram choose to show.”
Laws exist, but are not strongly enforced
Nepal’s advertising law allows authorities to fine anyone promoting illegal content, including gambling. Still, online gambling ads continue to reach Nepali users without facing penalties.
In 2023, Nepal banned TikTok for not controlling harmful content, including gambling promotions. That same year, social media platforms were required to register in Nepal and appoint local representatives. But these rules are still not fully followed.
Media and technology expert Binod Pandey said,“There are laws to stop these ads, and there are legal mechanisms to penalise platforms that violate national laws. But there is no strong will or digital infrastructure to enforce it.”
Harm spreading among youth
Online gambling is affecting people financially and emotionally. A counsellor in Pokhara said gambling addiction is rising among students. “We have seen students borrowing money, missing classes, even dropping out entirely. The addiction often starts with social media promotions,” she said.
Victims have very few options. Nepal’s consumer protection laws do not cover gambling losses, and police often cannot act without a formal complaint or clear evidence.
Other countries are taking action—Nepal could too
In 2023, Italy fined Meta €5.85 million for allowing gambling ads on Facebook and Instagram, breaking local rules. Australia and Kenya have also taken steps to restrict or ban gambling ads.
Policy analyst Sanjay Kumar said Nepal could do something similar.“If Nepal imposed fines for illegal ads or implemented a gambling-specific digital levy, it could generate revenue while discouraging platforms from targeting Nepali users,” he said.
Nepal recently announced a 2% digital services tax for foreign tech companies, but this has not yet been applied to illegal or harmful online content.
NTA cracks down on illegal online activities
Earlier in April this year, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) took action to stop illegal online financial activities. It shut down websites and apps related to cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, hyper networking, and online gambling. These sites and apps were blacklisted, and the public was asked to report such activities by email. The NTA also warned that anyone found involved in these activities could face legal action.
While online gambling is still illegal, Nepal’s legal 바카라 industry is expanding, mainly in five-star hotels that serve tourists. To manage this growth, the government is planning to bring in new rules through an Integrated Tourism Act.
Key changes in the new 바카라 law
The proposed bill introduces several important changes to how 바카라s are run in Nepal. It suggests lowering the limit for foreign ownership in 바카라s from 90% to 49%, so that Nepali partners will have the majority share. Also, hotels that have 바카라s will need to own at least 10% of the 바카라.
Under the bill, the fee for getting a 바카라 licence will be Rs25 million, and the yearly royalty will be Rs50 million. For electronic gaming, the licence fee will be Rs10 million with a yearly royalty of Rs15 million. The bill also says that 바카라 operators must spend 2% of their yearly profits on social causes such as health, education, tourism, or the environment.
Casinos will not be allowed near religious sites. The minimum distance from international borders will return to 5 km, although existing 바카라s within 3 km can continue.
Operators face strict rules
Operators must meet high standards for infrastructure and security within two years. They must also keep detailed records of finances and player activity. Licences will be limited to one venue per licence, and failure to comply will lead to shutdown or fines.
Any investor wanting to buy more than 15% of a 바카라 company must get approval from the Department of Tourism. Foreign investors with more than 49% must reduce their share within a year after the law is passed.
Civil society demands stronger action
Advocate Ramesh Thapa, who filed a public interest petition on the issue, said: “The platforms know these ads are illegal in Nepal. Facebook and Instagram have the ability to filter ads by geography, and they do so in countries where laws are enforced. So why not in Nepal?”
He added, “Nepal should not be treated as a dumping ground for illegal advertising. If other countries can fine these platforms, so can we.”
With millions of people in Nepal using social media every day, experts warn that if the government doesn’t act soon, more people could be harmed and public trust in the system could get weaker.
