Nepal Declare all Casinos Illegal

The Nepalese government has taken a dramatic stance and declared all casinos operating in the country as illegal and asked for their closure.

The move, reported in gambling news, comes after the government asked casino operators to repay royalties and obtain new license agreements.

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation took the decision as the casino operators failed to clear their outstanding royalties and obtain new operating permits despite repeated extension of the allotted deadline by the government.

The decision brings an end to the gaming business that began in the country over 45 years ago.

Long time coming

The Nepalese operators owe an enormous total of $10million to the government; according to the Ministry of Tourism, the payments date back as long ago as the fiscal year 2005.

Currently, there are eight casinos operating in Kathmandu and two in Pokhara, the tourist hub of western Nepal. Around 4,000 people are employed in the casino business and it is not yet clear what will become of these individuals.

Options for gamblers have decreased significantly as a result of the announcement. Mobile casinos and internet betting are still forbidden in Nepal, although some still access foreign gambling sites.