Gambling Age In Nepal

Minimum Age: 21

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In Nepal, the minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities is 21. This applies to casinos, as per the Casino Rules 2013, enforced to protect minors.

Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based gambling is legal, with casinos in Kathmandu offering slots, poker, and table games, aligning with your interest in extensive game catalogs. Lotteries are banned, but casinos require ID checks for the 21-year-old age limit. The casino market, valued at NPR 5 billion annually, caters to Indian tourists, supporting economic growth.

Online Gambling: Online gambling is illegal, with the Casino Rules prohibiting remote gambling. Offshore sites contribute to a $10 million unregulated market in 2024, with players facing risks without legal protections, aligning with unregulated markets you’ve explored. Website blocking is minimal, reflecting limited enforcement.

Regulation and Oversight: The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation regulates casinos, ensuring anti-money laundering measures. Nepal’s framework, less rigorous than Kahnawake’s, supports a $50 million gambling economy, with 2024 tax hikes (10% on operators) funding tourism. No online regulator exists.

Enforcement and Penalties: Nepal enforces casino regulations moderately. Operators face fines up to NPR 1 million or license revocation for violations like underage gambling. Illegal online operators are rarely prosecuted, and players face fines up to NPR 10,000. The 2025 responsible gambling initiatives ensure a controlled environment.