--- title: "Nepal gambling licensing, cost and supervision | advennt.io" canonical: https://advennt.io/jurisdictions/nepal/ source_html: /jurisdictions/np/index.html description: "Nepal gambling regulation by game: 1 open · 18 closed · 1 uncertain." generated_at: 2026-10-26T22:03:01Z content_sha256: 2d2426df6f1dc1f66b101fd0f0add6200f23c58bee8611168d277aa81a0ee104 generator: "fe-fleet/md-twin@1.0" --- # Nepal gambling licensing, cost and supervision | advennt.io [Jurisdictions](/jurisdictions/) › Nepal # Nepal National jurisdiction Online gambling market entry is legally untenable: the explicit ISP-level ban and criminal prohibition under the National Gambling (Control) Act 2043 BS foreclose any lawful online operation. [1 open · 18 closed · 1 uncertain → 20 classes](#products) Collected 25 Oct 2026 · Published 25 Oct 2026 · Changed 28 Sep 2026 [PDF](report.pdf) [Sign in for PDF](https://advennt.io/auth/) [Compare](/compare/?j=nepal) ## Can we offer our product? Every product class, in fixed taxonomy order. The band is what you can do; where the recorded legal status says something the band does not, it is shown beside the product. ### Player products - CasinoProhibited · Models agreeXClosed - PokerProhibited · Models agreeXClosed - BingoProhibited · Models agreeXClosed - LotteryState monopoly (sole exception to a general prohibition)XClosed - Sports bettingProhibited · Models agreeXClosed - Other event bettingProhibited · Models agreeXClosed - Horse and greyhound racing bettingProhibited · Models agreeXClosed - Esports bettingProhibited · Models agreeXClosed - Exchange bettingProhibited · Models agreeXClosed - Pool bettingProhibited · Models agreeXClosed - Virtual event bettingProhibited · Models agreeXClosed - Fantasy sportsProhibited · Models agreeXClosed - Skill gamesProhibited · Models agreeXClosedVaries by form · 1Pure skill: grey_zone - Prediction marketsProhibited · Models agreeXClosed - SweepstakesGrey zone · Models agree?Uncertain - Free playOutside the regulatory perimeter · Models agreeOOpen ### Supply roles - Software / B2BProhibited · Models agreeXClosedVaries by form · 1Gaming machines and technology for licensed land based casinos: open - Affiliate marketingProhibited · Models agreeXClosed - Payments for gamblingProhibited · ContestedXClosedVaries by form · 1General payment services licence: open ### Settlement rail - Crypto gamblingProhibitedXClosed Class-level certainty is graded for 18 of 20 classes. ## Board briefing Nepal: online gambling criminally banned and ISP-blocked; land-based casinos restricted to foreign nationals; FATF grey-list blacklisting risk. #### What has changed - A November 2025 12-point directive reaffirmed the online ban and tightened casino AML rules; in March 2026 the NTA ordered all betting apps/sites blocked; in May 2026 the APG warned Nepal of blacklisting ahead of a decisive September 2026 review. #### What to do now - Do not pursue any online B2C or B2B entry. Treat Nepal-connected payment flows as high-risk and apply enhanced due diligence. Land-based casino entry is only viable through a licensed 5-star-hotel, foreign-nationals-only model with NPR 300m capital and full AML/biometric compliance. #### What to watch - FATF AP-JG September 2026 review outcome; passage of the Integrated Tourism Bill restricting casino ownership and siting; NRB payment-freeze enforcement. ## 11 answers, each dated and graded The weather grades favourability for an operator, not legality: legality is the product table above. The left rule is our confidence: solid confirmed, dashed probable, dotted uncertain. 01 · What kind of market is this? ### Overview Unfavourable Nepal maintains a bifurcated gambling regime: general gambling and betting is criminally prohibited under the Penal Code 2074, while a narrow licensed land-based casino track, open to foreigners only, operates under Casino Regulation 2070 on a one-casino-per-licence basis. Online gambling and bettin… Full analysis · 128 words Nepal maintains a bifurcated gambling regime: general gambling and betting is criminally prohibited under the Penal Code 2074, while a narrow licensed land-based casino track, open to foreigners only, operates under Casino Regulation 2070 on a one-casino-per-licence basis. Online gambling and betting are explicitly and separately banned regardless of offshore hosting. This period's dominant development is the Tourism Bill 2081's clause-by-clause House of Representatives review, which has drawn 263 lawmaker amendments concentrated on casino provisions, touching supervisory structure, foreign-ownership limits and anti-money-laundering obligations. Enforcement against unlicensed online gambling has intensified in parallel, with a coordinated Cyber Bureau action and reported crypto-linked settlement of unlicensed betting flows, indicating a regulatory environment that is tightening on multiple fronts simultaneously even as its underlying casino-licensing architecture remains under active legislative debate. - Online gambling criminally prohibited and ISP-blocked - FATF grey list with blacklisting risk - No online licensing pathway - Nepali nationals barred even from licensed land-based casinos Confirmed AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/nepal/overview/) 02 · Can we get a licence? ### Licensing and regulation Unfavourable Casino licensing in Nepal sits with the Department of Tourism under Casino Regulation 2070, which establishes a one-casino-per-licence framework restricted to foreign patrons. This structure has not changed this period, but its institutional future is under active debate: the Tourism Bill 2081 propo… Full analysis · 135 words Casino licensing in Nepal sits with the Department of Tourism under Casino Regulation 2070, which establishes a one-casino-per-licence framework restricted to foreign patrons. This structure has not changed this period, but its institutional future is under active debate: the Tourism Bill 2081 proposes an independent Casino Regulatory Unit, with competing proposals as to whether it should sit under the Department of Tourism or the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. The bill is undergoing clause-by-clause review in the House of Representatives, having drawn 263 lawmaker amendments concentrated on casino provisions, alongside proposed beneficial-ownership disclosure at a ten-percent-plus threshold, mandatory KYC and Financial Intelligence Unit monitoring, and a reduced foreign-ownership ceiling. No primary bill text or enactment date has been located; the above rests on corroborated trade-press and law-firm secondary reporting rather than government-published text. Confirmed AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/nepal/licensing/) 03 · How hard is entry, really? ### Market entry in practice Unfavourable Online gambling market entry is legally untenable: the explicit ISP-level ban and criminal prohibition under the National Gambling (Control) Act 2043 BS foreclose any lawful online operation. Land-based casino entry requires Department of Tourism approval, 5-star hotel infrastructure, a foreign-nati… Full analysis · 65 words Online gambling market entry is legally untenable: the explicit ISP-level ban and criminal prohibition under the National Gambling (Control) Act 2043 BS foreclose any lawful online operation. Land-based casino entry requires Department of Tourism approval, 5-star hotel infrastructure, a foreign-national-only customer base and NPR 300 million minimum paid-up capital — irrelevant to online operators. FATF grey-list status adds material AML risk to any financial engagement. Confirmed AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/nepal/market-entry/) 04 · What do the licences cost? ### Licence fees Unfavourable No fee regime applies to online gambling operators, which are prohibited. Land-based casino licence and oversight fees apply under the Casino Regulations 2082, but specific amounts are not verified from primary sources. A minimum paid-up capital of NPR 300 million applies to large casino operators. Uncertain AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/nepal/fees/) 05 · What is the tax take? ### Tax Unfavourable For online gambling, no tax regime applies as the activity is prohibited. Land-based casinos must deduct windfall-gains tax at source from player payouts and issue deduction certificates to winners and the Internal Revenue Office; the specific statutory rate is not verified from the primary sources … Full analysis · 54 words For online gambling, no tax regime applies as the activity is prohibited. Land-based casinos must deduct windfall-gains tax at source from player payouts and issue deduction certificates to winners and the Internal Revenue Office; the specific statutory rate is not verified from the primary sources reviewed. Standard corporate income tax applies to casino operators. Uncertain AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/nepal/taxes/) 06 · Can we move player money? ### Payments and banking Unfavourable Nepal Rastra Bank requires explicit approval for any casino foreign-currency handling and has issued PSP/MFS account-freeze guidelines targeting terrorist-sanction-list and gambling-linked accounts. No lawful online gambling payment channel exists. Nepal's FATF grey-list status requires enhanced due… Full analysis · 50 words Nepal Rastra Bank requires explicit approval for any casino foreign-currency handling and has issued PSP/MFS account-freeze guidelines targeting terrorist-sanction-list and gambling-linked accounts. No lawful online gambling payment channel exists. Nepal's FATF grey-list status requires enhanced due diligence on Nepal-connected gambling flows, and the APG's May 2026 blacklisting warning intensifies this. Confirmed AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/nepal/payments/) 07 · Can we advertise? ### Marketing Unfavourable All gambling marketing directed at Nepal is prohibited. Online casino and betting advertising is banned, physical casino marketing is restricted to the hotel context for foreign guests, and there is no lawful affiliate, sponsorship or digital marketing channel. Nepali actors have been arrested for p… Full analysis · 56 words All gambling marketing directed at Nepal is prohibited. Online casino and betting advertising is banned, physical casino marketing is restricted to the hotel context for foreign guests, and there is no lawful affiliate, sponsorship or digital marketing channel. Nepali actors have been arrested for promoting offshore betting brands such as 1xBet under the Advertisement Regulation Act. Confirmed AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/nepal/marketing/) 08 · What must the platform meet? ### Technical compliance Unfavourable The Department of Tourism's new twelve-point compliance directive mandates continuous CCTV coverage of casino gaming areas with six months of footage retention, alongside new documentary and payout-verification requirements for licensed operators. This is a regulator circular imposing concrete techn… Full analysis · 76 words The Department of Tourism's new twelve-point compliance directive mandates continuous CCTV coverage of casino gaming areas with six months of footage retention, alongside new documentary and payout-verification requirements for licensed operators. This is a regulator circular imposing concrete technical surveillance and record-retention obligations rather than a statutory amendment, and represents a tightening of the technical-compliance baseline that applies immediately to existing licensees, independent of whatever the Tourism Bill 2081 ultimately settles for the sector's institutional structure. Confirmed AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/nepal/technical/) 09 · Can we ship through apps and platforms? ### Distribution and platforms Unfavourable Nepal's distribution-control approach for prohibited online gambling has formalised around network-level blocking: a nationwide ISP-level block on online gambling sites and apps was reportedly ordered, extending the state's enforcement reach beyond individual prosecution to comprehensive access deni… Full analysis · 114 words Nepal's distribution-control approach for prohibited online gambling has formalised around network-level blocking: a nationwide ISP-level block on online gambling sites and apps was reportedly ordered, extending the state's enforcement reach beyond individual prosecution to comprehensive access denial at the internet-service-provider layer. This is a materially more comprehensive distribution-control mechanism than previously documented, though the finding rests on a single T4 secondary source and has not been corroborated by a primary regulatory or telecoms-authority notice this cycle, and is accordingly held at uncertain confidence. No app-store delisting, search-engine de-listing, or payment-provider platform restriction specific to gambling was identified in the evidence available this cycle; the blocking mechanism as evidenced is confined to network-level ISP action. Confirmed AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/nepal/distribution/) 10 · How hard does the regulator enforce? ### Enforcement Unfavourable On 21 October 2026, police raided the Golden Finger Gaming Zone, a licensed casino in Birgunj, and detained five people for allegedly allowing Nepali citizens to enter and gamble, in breach of the rule reserving licensed casino gambling to foreign nationals. The action is corroborated across two out… Full analysis · 214 words On 21 October 2026, police raided the Golden Finger Gaming Zone, a licensed casino in Birgunj, and detained five people for allegedly allowing Nepali citizens to enter and gamble, in breach of the rule reserving licensed casino gambling to foreign nationals. The action is corroborated across two outlets reporting the same incident and date. The underlying statutory position criminalises Nepali citizens who enter a casino or gamble there, and separately exposes the casino operator and staff who permit this; imprisonment of up to three months and a fine have been cited for the gambling offence in secondary commentary, with harsher figures cited for a related betting offence. The clearest licence-revocation risk driver visible in the record is precisely this breach: a licensed venue admitting Nepali nationals onto the gaming floor. Set against this specific event, a Financial Action Task Force progress report ahead of the 28-30 October 2026 Plenary continues to flag casinos as a weakly supervised high-risk sector within Nepal's grey-list action plan, though no Nepal-specific casino anti-money-laundering circular or supervisory measure has been identified alongside that commentary. Together, the two strands show active policing of the entry rule at venue level and sustained external scrutiny of sector-wide supervision, without, on the present record, any new enforcement power or instrument having been introduced. Confirmed AI-generated 16 enforcement events [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/nepal/enforcement/) 11 · What is coming? ### Outlook Unfavourable No online gambling liberalisation is foreseeable. The FATF grey-listing (February 2025) is driving tightening rather than opening, and the proposed Integrated Tourism Bill would further restrict the land-based casino framework — capping foreign ownership at 49%, requiring hotels to own at least 10% … Full analysis · 78 words No online gambling liberalisation is foreseeable. The FATF grey-listing (February 2025) is driving tightening rather than opening, and the proposed Integrated Tourism Bill would further restrict the land-based casino framework — capping foreign ownership at 49%, requiring hotels to own at least 10% of on-premises casinos, making licences location-specific and non-transferable, and pushing the minimum border distance to 5 km. The APG's May 2026 intervention and the decisive September 2026 review mean continued international pressure and blacklisting risk. Confirmed AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/nepal/outlook/) Evidential record & source register 0 enforcement · 25 red flags · 12 sources · Expand full record ## What gets operators fined 25 red flags (9 high, 12 medium) and 5 controls that address them. - highNepal-connected flows during grey-list periodEnhanced due diligence required; blacklisting risk per APG.Source 5 · T2 - highAdvertising/promoting offshore betting brandsPromoters prosecuted under Advertisement Regulation Act.Source 9 · T3 - highAdmitting Nepali nationals to a licensed casinoCasinos are foreign-nationals-only; breach voids licence.Source 7 · T3 - highCasino foreign-currency dealing without NRB approvalExplicitly prohibited; immediate legal action.Source 4 · T2 - highVPN/proxy access to circumvent blocksTreated as illegal access in itself.Source 9 · T3 - highCrypto-based gambling settlementNRB directives ban gambling/crypto-linked transactions.Source 9 · T3 - highSupplying gaming software to local operators onlineNo B2B pathway; supply for online gambling prohibited.Source 2 · T2 - highMass-arrest operations against online operatorsPolice seize equipment, passports, ATM cards.Source 9 · T3 - highSeptember 2026 FATF review outcome dependencyBlacklisting would severely disrupt banking/remittance access.Source 6 · T2 - mediumCasino payout without source windfall-tax deductionMandatory deduction-at-source under 12-point directive.Source 3 · T2 - mediumMissing biometric KYC/CCTV at land-based casinoMandatory under Casino Regulations 2082.Source 11 · T3 - mediumFailure to report NPR 1m+ transactionsMandatory reporting threshold for casinos.Source 11 · T3 - mediumOperating outside licensed premisesOff-site/mobile setups prohibited; immediate action.Source 3 · T2 - mediumReliance on stable casino ownership rulesIntegrated Tourism Bill would cap foreign ownership at 49%.Source 12 · T3 - mediumBorder-area casino sitingProposed 5 km minimum border distance.Source 12 · T3 - mediumHome-regulator scrutiny of Nepal exposureUKGC/MGA scrutiny given FATF grey-list status.Source 5 · T2 - mediumPredicate-offence ordinance amendmentsAPG questioned amendment process; regime in flux.Source 5 · T2 - mediumAssuming licence transferabilityLicences are location-specific and non-transferable.Source 12 · T3 - mediumUndercapitalised casino entryNPR 300m minimum paid-up capital for large casinos.Source 11 · T3 - mediumPolitical instability affecting reform continuityGovernment transition disrupted FATF action-plan progress.Source 6 · T2 - mediumApp-store listing for NepalGambling apps unavailable; listings would breach policy and law.Source 10 · T3 - criticalOperating online gambling for Nepali usersExplicitly prohibited and ISP-blocked; criminal liability.Source 2 · T2 - criticalBetting app/website accessible in NepalNTA ordered all such sites blocked in March 2026.Source 10 · T3 - criticalFacilitating online gambling transactionsUp to 7 years' imprisonment, 3x-value fines, asset confiscation.Source 9 · T3 - criticalProcessing Nepal-origin gambling paymentsNRB freeze powers; no lawful online channel; FATF EDD.Source 4 · T2 ### Controls - 001No Nepal online exposureGeo-block Nepal IP ranges and exclude Nepal from all online product targeting.Source 10 · T3 - 002Payment-flow screeningScreen and block Nepal-origin gambling payment flows; apply FATF EDD.Source 4 · T2 - 003Affiliate/promoter prohibitionProhibit affiliates from promoting any brand to Nepali audiences.Source 9 · T3 - 004Land-based eligibility gateEnforce foreign-nationals-only access via biometric KYC at licensed casinos.Source 7 · T3Source 11 · T3 - 005NRB forex authorisationObtain NRB approval before any casino foreign-currency handling.Source 4 · T2 ## Worked scenarios 5 entry scenarios, each with the move we would make. #### Offshore operator accepts Nepali players online. Explicitly prohibited; ISP-blocked; criminal exposure for operators and facilitators with up to 7 years' imprisonment. Do this: Geo-block Nepal entirely. Source 2 · T2 Source 9 · T3 #### PSP processes Nepal-origin gambling deposits. No lawful online channel; NRB freeze powers; FATF grey-list EDD applies. Do this: Block and screen Nepal gambling flows. Source 4 · T2 Source 5 · T2 #### Operator considers land-based casino in Kathmandu 5-star hotel. Conditionally viable: Tourism licence, foreign-nationals-only, NPR 300m capital, biometric KYC/CCTV, NRB forex approval. Do this: Proceed only with full compliance and counsel; monitor Integrated Tourism Bill. Source 8 · T3 Source 11 · T3 #### B2B supplier licenses platform to a local entity for online play. No B2B pathway; supplying for online gambling is prohibited. Do this: Do not supply for online gambling in Nepal. Source 2 · T2 #### Influencer promotes 1xBet to Nepali audience. Promoters prosecuted under Advertisement Regulation Act; criminal liability. Do this: Prohibit all Nepal-directed promotion. Source 9 · T3 ## What we looked for and could not find Confirmed absence is a finding of its own. These are the questions we searched and could not answer from a citable source, with the searches we ran. Never behind the paywall. Cost to operate/taxes. specific windfall-gains/profit tax rate on casino winnings not verified from primary sources. Competitive landscape. current licensed-casino count post-Regulations 2082 and unlicensed online market share not published in T1/T2. Fees. specific casino licence and renewal fee amounts not verified from primary sources. ## Source register Every source on a four-step tier scale. A claim is never shown at a stronger tier than the source it cites. 12 sources · 1 tier 1 · 5 tier 2 · 6 tier 3 No. Source Tier Verification 1 NP-FATF-GREYLIST-2025 T1 of 4 Source 1 · Open in drawer → 2 NP-DIRECTIVE-12POINT-2025 T2 of 4 Source 2 · Open in drawer → 3 NP-DIRECTIVE-12POINT-2025-B T2 of 4 Source 3 · Open in drawer → 4 NP-NRB-FOREX-2025 T2 of 4 Source 4 · Open in drawer → 5 NP-FATF-APG-2026 T2 of 4 Source 5 · Open in drawer → 6 NP-FATF-BLACKLIST-WARN-2026 T2 of 4 Source 6 · Open in drawer → 7 NP-ACT-GAMBLING-2043 T3 of 4 Source 7 · Open in drawer → 8 NP-REG-CASINO-2082 T3 of 4 Source 8 · Open in drawer → 9 NP-ENF-ONLINE-2026 T3 of 4 Source 9 · Open in drawer → 10 NP-NTA-BETTING-BAN-2026 T3 of 4 Source 10 · Open in drawer → 11 NP-CASINO-TECH-2082 T3 of 4 Source 11 · Open in drawer → 12 NP-INTEGRATED-TOURISM-BILL-2025 T3 of 4 Source 12 · Open in drawer →