Although there are six casinos listed in Nepal, in and around Kathmandu, apparently only four operate legally. The casinos were made foreigners-only after strong public opinion forced the government to restrict entrance to the Nepalis, and they operate under licence from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation. However, in practice widespread gambling by the locals is commonplace at the casinos, even though a licence can be terminated. In May 2002 the Himalayan Times complained that only the Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza’s Casino Nepal seemed to comply with the restriction.

The legendary Kathmandu, a name that conjures up all that is exotic and an enticement to adventure, is in the news at the moment because of the sacking of the government last week by King Gyanendra. This seems to have had little effect on the Nepalis themselves, as the multi-party system introduced in 1990 had led to in fighting, strikes, and corruption, with no end to the Maoist insurgency in the country. Indeed, the government that was sacked was one installed by the King after he suspended parliament in 2003.

The casinos in Nepal have been operating for 29 years, and after all this time the Tourism Industry Division (TID) of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation has formulated a draft bill for casino regulation. Last September the TID started monitoring procedures for the casino operations and have decided that strict regulation is called for. Three of Nepal’s casinos are owned by the royal family, including the Casino Nepal where King Gyanendra holds a large stake in the Soaltee Group, and this may have something to do with ministry joint-secretary Shankar Prasad Pandey declaring that discussions with the stakeholders would take place before the draft bill was sent to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.

After the TID and tourist police inspected two casinos in December 2003 and March 2004, a letter was sent requesting the casino operators to have clear signage stating that there is no admittance for Nepalis. They have also been requested to keep records of all casino visitors, including names, passport numbers and addresses.

Shankar Prasad Pandey has said that the TID draft bill has already been sent to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation. An official of the TID is reported to have commented that at present the Division is unable to take action against casinos in violation of their licences granted by the government. Discussions are continuing at ministerial level. (E-02.11.05)

© Copyright 2005 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage