Best Nepal betting sites

Population: 28.000.000
Active players: 3.500.000
Currency: Nepalese rupee (NPR)
Regulated gambling products: Casino games
Designated authority: No designated gambling authority
Operator types: Land-based casinos, unlicensed online bookmakers and casinos
Status: Semi-regulated

Nepal is a South Asian country, constituting a federal parliamentary republic since 2015. Before that, local Hindu monarchs, a civil war and much political instability had shaped its history. It is a generally poor country, trying to keep its relations as steady and friendly as possible with its neighbors India and China. Gambling in Nepal has been illegal since 1963. However, the tricky part is that, at the same time, it is South Asia's biggest gamblers' hub. This happens due to the fact that tourists and foreigners are totally allowed to gamble here. Eight land-based casinos are the proof of that, packed with -mainly Indian- holiday goers. Online betting in Nepal does not fall under any regulation and it remains a grey area. Authorities show absolutely no interest in the online sector, leaving bettors with plenty of options. No restrictions and no prosecutions have been reported whatsoever. Therefore, major international betting sites in Nepal are accessible to local players.

Betting in Nepal - 5 things to know

• All forms of gambling are illegal for Nepalese citizens
• The first casino opened its doors in 1968
• The only gambling act dates back to 1963
• Most casinos still owe large amounts of money to the state from unpaid taxes
• Online betting falls under no legal framework

Best betting sites in Nepal

With no proper framework to regulate online gambling in Nepal, locals may access any bookmaker they want. So, we list the ones that deliver a great variety of markets, along with high odds on cricket and great promotions on a daily basis.

Online betting Nepal: The legal framework

To begin with, one has to bear in mind that gambling in Nepal is illegal. That applies to all Nepalese citizens. However, there are grey areas, as we will analyze. A 2020 revision to the old 1963 law, actually brought zero changes. What was initially the main idea (banning all locals from any form of gambling), still is the norm. The state has supposedly done so for the well being of its people. Therefore, it has made it clear that the prohibition does not apply to foreigners. In that scope, the first casino was opened in 1968. Ever since, a great percentage of the state’s income has derived from foreign casino players. As for betting in Nepal, there are no betting shops around Kathmandu or other cities. Some betting is taking place within casino premises and that’s just about it.

The grey area we referred to concerns the online sector as a whole. There is not a single point in the law about online betting. Moreover, there have been no reports of blocking access to betting sites either. No one seems to bother tracking down or prosecuting players. Lastly, there is neither a designated gambling authority, nor a licensing process for any interested operators. So, given the circumstances, the best -and only- option for locals is to place their bets online on the best betting sites Nepal has to offer.

Essential information for bettors

Prohibition always serves as a stepstone for a black market. In that sense, stay away from any land-based bookies you might come across if you are a local. They will all be illegal and will lead you to trouble with the police. If caught gambling for the first time, a fine of 300 NPR awaits you. For second time offenders, an imprisonment from 3 to 9 months is the penalty. Therefore, if you want to place a bet, Nepal offers many online options which are not considered illegal. The law does not refer to online betting, therefore authorities do not block online operators. They do not apply restrictions either, so you can enjoy the best Nepal betting sites without worrying.

Bet Nepal: How to deposit at online bookies

The use of payment methods other than the traditional ones is common in Nepal. So, one may send and withdraw money straight to/from his bank account or credit card. The lack of a legal gambling Nepal framework has left the authorities uninterested in the online sector. This means that players do not have to worry about any type of restrictions. Moreover, betting sites in Nepal accept the use of e-wallets like Ecopayz and Sticpay. They are easily set up and used, while allowing players to bet under the radar. They are also famous for speedy transactions and low fees for users worldwide.

The future of online gambling in Nepal

While all forms of gambling in Nepal are banned for locals, it still remains a gambling heaven for tourists. The lack of the online sector’s legal approach, leaves some room for optimism; that online gambling -at some point- will be allowed. However, one could say that there is a general reluctance on behalf of the state in terms of regulating online gambling. As it stands, the Nepalese government seems too busy trying to revamp the economy and it is probably not in its immediate plans to do so through setting up a legal framework around the online gambling sector.

The complete list of bookmakers in Nepal

After a close look on the aspects of the local gambling scene; here is the list of all Nepal betting sites you can join.