Operating a casino in Nepal is an exclusive, high-investment venture tailored for the international tourism market. Registration of a casino requires a specialized license from the Department of Tourism. A casino license requires a strict “Fit and Proper” (a standard vetting of investors’ integrity and financial background) evaluation and a mandatory partnership with a 4-star or 5-star hotel. To maintain social and security safeguards, these facilities operate under a “Foreigners Only” mandate, with a total prohibition on Nepali citizens entering the gaming floor.
₨ 50,000.00
The licensing process is a rigorous regulatory journey designed to ensure that only financially stable and reputable operators enter the market. Governed by the Casino Regulation, 2082, the system categorizes operations into “Large Casinos” (full table games and machines) and “Small Casinos” (electronic gaming only). Every applicant must undergo a detailed vetting of their financial history and security protocols to ensure the industry remains a secure, world-class attraction for foreign visitors.
According to Section 45 of the Tourism Act, 2035, a license for the operation of a casino business is necessary. A company that has pre-approval from the Ministry can apply for the license to operate a casino from the Ministry if it fulfils the conditions under the “fit and proper test” mentioned in Rule 6 of the Casino Regulations, 2082. An application for the license can be made under Rule 7 of the regulation by fulfilling the following requirements: a. paying the fees of Rs. 3 Crore for large casinos and Rs. 1 crore 50 lakhs for small casinos;b. Royalty as per the yearly budget; c. bank guarantee of an amount equal to one and a half times the annual royalty.
Operating a casino without a valid license from the Ministry of Tourism renders the operation an illegal criminal gambling enterprise. According to section 125 of the National Penal Code, 2074, causing gambling leads to imprisonment and seizure of all property and assets related to such enterprise.