Sports betting in Nepal is strictly prohibited under the Muluki Criminal Code. Section 125 explicitly bans all forms of gambling and betting, stating that “no person shall play or organize gambling or betting.” Violators face criminal penalties, including possible imprisonment or fines (1).
At the federal level, the Government of Nepal has not moved to legalize sports betting. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on March 12, 2025, the Minister of State for Home Affairs clarified that betting and gambling fall under the jurisdiction of provincial governments as per entry 34 of the State List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. Since no province has enacted legal provisions to permit sports betting, it remains uniformly illegal across Nepal (2).
"On the comprehensive regulatory framework on betting and gambling, Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar has replied stating that betting and gambling fall under the jurisdiction of state governments, as per entry 34 in the State List of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution. He emphasized that state legislatures have the authority to regulate these activities."
Enforcement of the betting ban is carried out by law enforcement agencies nationwide. Under Section 125(2) of the Muluki Criminal Code, offenders may be subject to imprisonment of up to one year, fines of up to NPR 30,000, or both, depending on the severity of the offense. Despite the rise of online platforms, authorities have continued to crack down on illicit operators hosting sports betting services for Nepalese residents (1)(2).
Source:
https://repository.lawcommission.gov.np/.../statutes-acts/मुलुकी-अपराध-संहिता-११८
https://g2g.news/.../betting-and-gambling-regulation-falls-under-state-jurisdiction-mos-home-affairs-shri-bandi-sanjay-kumar
Last updated: 22-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
