Kathmandu. More than 10,000 apps and websites related to online betting have been shut down. According to Surya Prasad Lamichhane, Deputy Director of Nepal Telecommunication Authority, the betting apps and websites operating illegally have been identified and closed.

“Most of the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have shut down more than 10,000 apps and websites. Nepal Telecom has shut down more than 21,000 apps and websites. “, Lamichhane said.

The Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) has taken this step in coordination with the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) as part of the implementation of the government’s decision on governance reforms. Out of the 100 agendas related to governance reforms endorsed by the meeting of the Council of Ministers on March 26, point 42 provides for shutting down betting apps and websites within 24 hours.

According to this decision, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology had issued necessary directives to the Nepal Telecommunication Authority from the ministerial level on March 29. Following the directive, NTA, in coordination with the Internet Service Providers, has shut down all the identified apps and websites related to betting through electronic medium.

According to Section 125 (4) of the Civil Code, 2074 BS, no one is allowed to bet or cause to be betting. Violation of this provision can result in confiscation of the amount used as per sub-section (6) of the same section and a jail term up to one year and a fine up to Rs 10,000.

Similarly, the Advertising (Regulation) Act, 2066 BS also prohibits gambling or gambling and advertisements that encourage buying and buying lotteries without permission. Anyone found guilty of the offence will be punishable with a jail term of up to one year and a fine of up to Rs 10,000.

The government has urged all not to use and operate betting apps and websites operating across Nepal. It has also warned of taking stern legal action from the concerned body if anyone is found operating or using such activities unauthorisedly.

The authority has urged the citizens to stay aware, stay away from such illegal digital activities and inform the concerned body if they have information about any suspicious apps or websites.