Nepal Has Completely Banned Online Casinos and Online Gambling
The Nepal Tourism Department issued a directive that fully prohibits online gambling in the country.
Summary of the Directive
According to the directive, all forms of iGaming and online casinos are now entirely banned in Nepal due to money laundering risks and the inability to control cross-border payments.
Requirements for Land-Based Casinos
The directive also introduces 12 requirements for land-based casinos. The available excerpt lists several points, including:
| Requirement | Description (based on the available excerpt) |
|---|---|
| Biometric Identification | Mandatory biometric registration of players upon entry and during gameplay. |
| 24/7 Video Surveillance | Cameras must record gaming areas around the clock. |
| Remaining Requirements | There are 12 in total — full texts of the other 10 points are not included in the provided excerpt. |
Reasons for the Ban
The directive cites risks of money laundering and difficulties in regulating cross-border online payments as key reasons for the prohibition.
What This Means for Players and Operators
- Online platforms offering services in Nepal fall under the ban.
- Land-based operators must comply with the new regulatory requirements.
- The available excerpt does not specify implementation details or timelines.