Nepal's Supreme Court demands explanation from government for lack of control over online gambling

The Supreme Court of Nepal has ordered the government to provide an explanation for its inaction against the growing problem of gambling and sports betting. The decision of the Supreme Court was made after a petition filed by three students.

In their petition, the law students complained about the lack of control over online gambling platforms that operate throughout the country and are not subject to any control by special authorities, when, according to Article 125 of the Muluki Penal Code, gambling and betting are a crime. The students also drew attention to the freely placed gambling advertisements aimed at Nepalese on social media. The petition also drew attention to the possible connection between gambling and the cause of the crimes.

The panel of judges considered the case and noted that, indeed, online betting is freely accepted and government agencies are not helping to ban it. The court also said gambling and betting advertisements are rampant on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, which are not adequately regulated by organizations like the Cyber ​​Bureau, Nepal Telecommunication Authority and Advertising Council.

The court gave the case priority status and asked the government to submit a detailed report on the lack of government oversight of online gambling.