Months after India banned online gambling, Nepal has seen a rapid rise in illegal online casinos and betting apps. These platforms are operating freely despite Nepal’s strict rules against gambling. Many of the apps are registered in foreign countries and are aggressively promoting themselves to Nepali users. 

Their advertisements often appear on social media, featuring eye-catching videos shot at popular Nepali landmarks and offering huge bonuses to attract new players. Under Nepali law, all gambling is illegal except in licensed casinos. Even in those casinos, only foreigners are allowed to play, while Nepali citizens are strictly prohibited from entering.

Foreign Registered Apps Targeting Nepali Users

Several online gambling apps are now targeting people in Nepal. One of them is Khalti88, which runs the K88 app and is reportedly registered in Curaçao, a place known for online gambling companies. It also claims to be linked to a controversial Indian casino group called Godaddy. Another app, IME88, promotes itself on Instagram using Nepali speaking influencers who encourage people to bet and invite friends for bonuses.

JW8 Nepal and JayaBazi Online Casino are running similar ads, with some videos claiming new users can earn up to Rs 25,000 just for signing up. These apps seem to be using Nepali banking channels for deposits and withdrawals and are taking advantage of weak monitoring and gaps in cyber laws. They are also spreading widely through Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Shift From India and Rising Arrests in Nepal

Experts believe that after India enforced its online gambling ban, many operators and users moved their activities to Nepal. Data from Nepal Police shows a sharp increase in gambling related arrests over the past four years. In 2020 and 2021, there were only two arrests. This figure rose to 22 in 2021 and 2022. By 2022 and 2023, the number jumped to 51, including 13 foreigners. 

Offenders were found using apps such as Cash App, WhatsApp Cash, Wolf777, and Casino Online Game. The highest increase came in 2023 and 2024, when police recorded 147 arrests involving both Nepalis and foreigners linked to online gambling, crypto exchanges, and sports betting.

Legal Concerns and Calls for Stronger Action

Digital rights advocate Santosh Sigdel said focusing only on advertisers is not enough. He stressed that social media companies must also be held responsible, as they earn massive profits from ads promoting illegal activities. He added that Nepal currently has no strong laws to make these platforms accountable. 

Although Article 125 of the National Penal Code bans all unauthorized gambling and the Advertising Regulation Act allows fines for promoting illegal content, gambling ads still spread widely. Police officials say they investigate serious cases and act when complaints are reported, but experts argue that stronger laws and better monitoring are urgently needed.