The Nepal government has declared all casinos operating in the country illegal and asked them to close after they failed to clear their outstanding royalties and obtain new licences.
The decision brings an end to the gaming business that began in the country over 45 years ago. 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 deadline by the government.
The casinos owe a total of US$10m to the government. These dues date back to as early as fiscal year 2005 according to sources at the Ministry of Tourism. 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.
